As British Columbians prepare to honour the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces, there are renewed calls for more cities to extend them a small perk. Some municipalities already offer free parking for veterans and others are currently considering it. ICBC first released special veteran license plates in 2004. “One of the best things that comes with it is running into other veterans,” Royal Canadian Navy veteran Jordan Mah told CTV News. “And so other people will come up and we’ll have a conversation. Where did you serve? What kind of experience did you have?” Between full-time service and time in the reserves, Mah spent more than 16 years in the Navy. With his veteran plate, he enjoys free parking at city-owned meters and lots in Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, New Westminster and North and West Vancouver. “I don’t park on the street every single day, but when I do need to and it’s free, I am thankful for it,” Mah said. Many smaller cities around the region, including Delta, Pitt Meadows and Mission, don’t charge anybody for parking. Among those that do, Maple Ridge is currently looking into the possibility of an exemption for veterans. Up the Sea to Sky Highway in Squamish, parking in most district-owned spots is already free for certain durations. One exception is the busy lot at Darrell Bay where everyone pays—including veterans. Staff say if paid parking is expanded beyond that lot, the district will consider a veteran’s exemption. In Whistler, veterans have to pay for parking just like everybody else. The resort municipality said an exemption was explored but ultimately rejected. “While we deeply value the service and sacrifice of veterans and military personnel, providing an exemption for one group raises broader considerations around fairness, equity, and consistency across the community,” it said in a statement. “It would be really appreciated by all the veterans if they could reconsider providing the free parking,” Mah said. “It’s a small token that they can do to recognize the service for veterans.” According to staff at Victoria City Hall, Mayor Marianne Alto is contemplating bringing forward a motion to exempt veterans from paid parking at city-owned meters and facilities.
