Who owns the Day Lots?

The RMOW owns the parking lots. In 2008, Day Lots 1 to 5 were transferred to the RMOW from the Province of British Columbia. The transfer was part of a larger 2010 Land Legacy Agreement and was conditional on the RMOW entering a maintenance agreement with Whistler Blackcomb, committing that the parking lots are primarily for the use of Whistler-Blackcomb’s visitors and constructing a debris barrier on Fitzsimmons Creek. 

Who makes decisions about pay parking in the Day Lots?

A joint parking management committee comprised of two senior staff members from the RMOW and two senior staff members from Whistler Blackcomb is responsible for making decisions about parking rates, maintenance, operations, and the budget for the Day Lots.

Whistler Blackcomb is the parking lot operator responsible for the day-to-day management of the lots (including snow clearing and traffic control); The RMOW is responsible for pay parking equipment and operation (including the collection of revenue) and enforcement of bylaws and parking rules.

Are changes to user-pay parking in the Day Lots Council decisions?

Council has discussed the changes during budget discussions. Decisions about the Day Lots are made by the parking lot operating committee. Changes to user-pay parking in the Day Lots have been discussed and reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG), a committee of Whistler Council that includes broad representation from the community with members from Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, the Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Highways and at large community members, as well as members of the business community.

How much is a parking violation fine and how can it be paid?

The fine is $20, if paid within 30 days.  Fines are issued for parking in a fire lane, handicap space, camping, not in a valid space, not paid and overnight.  Information about paying fines is on the back of parking violation tickets. Parking fines can be paid by phone, in person Municipal Hall (4325 Blackcomb Way), using the drop-box at Municipal Hall, or online.

How can I dispute my parking fine?

A parking dispute form can be found online.

Where can I find information about paying parking fines?

Parking ticket information is available on the municipal website online.

If my car is towed, where does it go and what does it cost to retrieve it?

The impound lot is located between Day Lots 3 and 4. Payless Towing signs are located in the Day Lots and include contact information. Rates are based on current ICBC tow rates.

Will SmartPark in-car meters work in the Day Lots?

No. SmartPark meters currently work in all of the municipal lots and on-street parking, except the Day Lots. The SmartPark device uses a SmartCard, which is loaded with a prepaid number of parking hours and is inserted into the meter. The SmartPark meter is then placed inside the vehicle and displays the parking zone selected. SmartPark is intended as an affordable option for residents, frequent visitors, and weekenders to park in the Village. Smart Park meters are available for sale at Municipal Hall – Bylaw Services.

A Pay By License/License Plate Recognition system was selected for use in the Day Lots to enable the smooth flow of traffic into and out of the lots during peak times; relatively quick enforcement of traffic violations; and effective enforcement during snow events. This technology is intended to be fast, convenient, and seamless for resort guests and locals.  PayByPhone options are also available in the Day Lots.

Did you know?

When you SmartPark at on-street parking spaces using a pre-loaded meter for your car, you will:

• Never scramble for spare change
• Avoid going back to the meter if you need extra time 
• Pay for only the time you use
• Have flexibility; since you won’t need to guess how much time you’ll need

How does PayByPhone technology work and where is it available?

PayByPhone technology is only available for use in Day Lots 1 to 3. Guests simply park their cars, make one short phone call and then head for their destination.  The benefits of PayByPhone:

• No need for cash or coins
• Text message reminders when time is up
• Extend your time from any phone
• View and print parking receipts online
• Stay warm, pay from the comfort of your car.

How do I sign up and use the PayByPhone system for the Day Lots?

• Parks car, phone 604-905-5559, enter location #4055 and select parking time required
• Daily, hourly, evening, and overnight (summer only) rates available, in addition to 1-month passes
• Parking time is charged to credit card
• A text message reminder is provided to the guest before parking time expires

Registration for a free PayByPhone account is required and can be done by phone at 604-905-5559 (the account will be activated immediately) or online at paybyphone.com

How does the parking enforcement officer know I’ve paid by phone?

When you pay for parking by phone, your license plate and parking time are automatically displayed on the device used by the parking officer.

Is it safe to do a credit card transaction on a mobile phone?

Yes. Your credit card number is encrypted when you sign up and is never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.

When will I see the transactions on my credit card statement and print receipts?

Each time you pay for parking with Verrus, the payment is processed in real-time. Your charge will appear as "PayByPhone Parking" on your credit card statement.  You can view all your transaction by logging onto your account at paybyphone.com. E-mail receipts are available; select this optional feature on your profile.

Can I get a receipt from the pay parking machines?

Yes, there is an option to print a receipt. The system, which does not require printed tickets, was selected to reduce paper waste.

How can I add more parking time before the previous time has run out?

Users can enter their license plate numbers and add additional time to previously purchased time using the pay parking machines in the Day Lots.

PayByPhone is also available for users to pay for parking with their cell phone and a credit card. A text message reminder is sent before parking time expires. Parking time can be extended as required.

What happens if I have been given a parking violation ticket while I have gone to get change?

A parking dispute form can be filled out online or at the Municipal Hall. Bylaw services can look up the license plate number and confirm the time that parking was paid to determine if the parking ticket will be withdrawn. 

I accidentally paid twice. Can I get a refund?

Yes, contact the bylaw office at Municipal Hall during business hours. Bylaw services can review data records and void a duplicated credit card transaction or provide a cash refund.

What can I do if I enter the wrong license plate number?

The RMOW has changed the prompts on the parking machines, so users must confirm their license plate number and desired time before the transaction is finalized. If entered incorrectly, users can cancel the transaction.

If there is a license plate transcription error and a parking violation ticket is issued, a parking dispute form can be completed. Bylaw services can review data records from the parking machine and confirm the transcription error. Once we can confirm that an error exists, the ticket will be courtesy voided.

Will SmartPark in-car meters work in the Day Lots?

No. SmartPark meters currently work in all of the municipal lots and on-street parking, exceptthe Day Lots. The meters use a SmartCard which is prepaid with a number of parking hours and is inserted into the SmartPark meter. The SmartPark meter is then placed inside the vehicle and displays the parking zone selected. The SmartPark meter is intended as an affordable option for residents, frequent visitors, and weekenders to park in the Village. SmartPark meters are available for sale at the Municipal Hall – Bylaw Services office.

Why was the pay by license system chosen?

This system was selected taking into consideration priorities for Whistler Blackcomb and the municipality. A number of criteria were examined:

• Traffic movements
• Delays and queuing
• Pedestrian movement
• Payment options
• Enforcement efficiency
• Revenue from penalty charges
• Fee evasion
• Disabled parking compatibility
• Security
• Impact of snow events
• Impact of vandalism
• Power failure
• Potential equipment failure
• Capital costs of equipment
• Operating costs

The pay by license/license plate recognition system has several advantages including:

• Encourages smooth flow of traffic into and out of the lots during peak times;
• Enables relatively quick enforcement of traffic violations;
• Enforceable during snow events;
• Lower capital costs and operating costs than some other parking systems;
• Less likelihood of equipment failure than some other systems.

In addition, the guest experience is expected to be positive using this system. The following is an outline of this process:

• Guest enters un-gated parking lot and parks car.
• Guest unloads car and proceeds to convenient pay station.
• Guest enters license plate number and pays for parking.
• Guest returns from the day enjoying Whistler and leaves parking lot.
• While guest is visiting Whistler, bylaw enforcement patrols lot using license plate recognition equipment.

What happens to parking lot data used by scanners?

Parking lot data of non-violating vehicles will be deleted daily. Parking lot data will remain within Canada at all times.

Is there user-pay parking in other resort communities?

Other resort communities have implemented user-pay parking in a variety of paved, outdoor, and indoor lots in close proximity or within walking or shuttle distance to their ski hills.

What are the rates in other communities?

• Other mountain resorts offer a range of free and user-pay parking. Examples include:
• Vail, Colorado -$20-$25 per day parking in garages; parking free after 3 p.m.
• Aspen, Colorado - $10-$25 per day (different weekday/weekend rates); free village shuttle
• Breckenridge, Colorado - $5-$20 per day (different weekday/weekend rates); free after 2 p.m.; some free lots and free village shuttle.
• Steamboat, Colorado - $15 per day in nearest lot; free parking in lots further away
• Mt.Tremblant, Quebec - $10 per day in nearest lot; free parking in lots further away

Current rates for hourly parking in Whistler’s municipal lots and the Day Lots range from $1 to $4 per hour. Other municipalities including Seattle and Vancouver charge $1 to $4 per hour and $1 to $6 per hour respectively.

Parking rates in private lots in Whistler range from $2 to $5 per hour; $8 to $42.50 per day; and $75 to $150 per month.

How is parking revenue from the Day Lots used?

The new revenue from the parking lots will be allocated to:

• Day Lot operation and maintenance costs;
• Establish an operating reserve for the parking lots; and
• Fund community transportation initiatives (transit);

Has revenue from the Day Lots been allocated to Whistler Transit?

Yes. In 2010, the Resort Municipality of Whistler provided free transit service to coincide with the start of user-pay parking in the Day Lots on June 28, 2010.  In addition, revenue from the Day Lots was used to fund an early start to full winter service to correspond with the official opening of the mountains. In recent years, an early start to winter service has not been possible due to budget constraints.

Revenue from the Day Lots will help fund transit, which has seen significant cost increases.

Are there accessible spots in the Day Lots?

There are 20 accessible parking spots in Lots 1 through 4.

Can oversized vehicles or commercial buses park in the Day Lots?

No. Oversized vehicles must park in Lot 6 at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain during the summer season.

Commercial busses have traditionally been allowed to park in Lots 4 and 5. With increasing demand for parking in the Day Lots, commercial bus drivers are requested to park in the municipal parking lot at Spruce Grove (7328 Kirkpatrick Way), in the winter and Day Lot 6 in the summer.  We are working on a year round solution.

Where can I park overnight Whistler Village?

• Year-round in the Whistler Conference Centre (Levels 1 to 3) from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. for $5
• Year-round at the Whistler Public Library underground lots from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. for $5
• Overheight vehicles may park can pay to park under Town Plaza in winter 
• May 1 to November 14 (only in summer/fall months): Day Lots 4 and 5. Camping (sleeping in vehicles) is not permitted at any time in the Day Lots.
• About 2,000 private parking spaces in Whistler Village (managed by the building managers and businesses) allow overnight parking at various rates.

Note: The Day Lots are closed during the winter season from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. for maintenance, including snow clearing. Cars that are parked overnight will be ticketed and towed.

What are other transportation options?

Whistler has an award-winning transit system. Schedule and fare information can be found online.

Other transportation options include:

• Active transportation using the Valley Trail, a paved 35-kilometre multiuse trail that connects Whistler’s neighbourhoods, parks, and beaches
• Carpooling / Ride-sharing: visit www.ride-share.com for information about Jack Bell carpooling, vanpooling, or Ride-Share programs

Private coach options to get to Whistler, including:

• The YVR Whistler Skylynx daily service from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler;
• Pacific Coach Lines daily service from Vancouver to Whistler;
• Greyhound Bus daily service between Vancouver and Whistler Village and Creekside;
• The Snowbus with seasonal service between Vancouver and Whistler.

Whistler Transit System Adult passes are $65 + HST for 1-month or $330 + HST for six months. Travelling by transit offers considerable savings, when the cost of running a car (fuel, insurance, and maintenance plus depreciation) is considered.

The Parking Lot Operating Committee, which includes two senior staff members from the (Resort Municipality of Whistler) RMOW and two senior staff members from Whistler Blackcomb, is responsible for decisions about the Day Lots management, including parking rates, hours, budget, and maintenance.