Some parking enforcement has been changed to help healthcare workers

Temporary changes have been made to parking, waste collection and disposal in Vancouver

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The City of Vancouver will no longer enforce metered parking, rush-hour zones, residential permit-parking zones, or parking time limits, which includes the three-hour parking restriction, in an effort to help healthcare workers and frontline city staff stay safe during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

These changes are effective immediately.

This comes after growing demands for free parking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since many healthcare workers are already working longer hours with more frequent shifts, the changes made by the city are meant to support those “working hard to kee our community safe and healthy.”

However, this also comes with a call to the rest of Vancouver to make sure there is parking for healthcare workers by avoiding street parking as much as possible.

People will still be ticketed if they park in disabled zones, too close to sidewalks, in front of fire hydrants, block driveways, laneways, loading zones, bus stops, and passenger zones.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Adrian Dix says paid parking at hospitals will be suspended starting April 1.

#BREAKING Paid parking at all hospitals in #BC will be suspended starting Wednesday because of #COVID19. @CityofVancouver also cancelling metered parking, permit-only zones on side streets for residents and rush hour lanes. More details coming @NEWS1130 — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) March 30, 2020

Waste disposal and collection changes

The city is also restricting access to recycling and trash sites.

If a trip is necessary,the city says people should take a car to the facilities rather than walk. Cash and cheque payments are no longer allowed.

Not all services will be available either. Foam packaging and clothing drop-off are cancelled for now, as well as compost pick-up and backyard composter sales. Only used drywall will be accepted at the Vancouver Landfill.

Curbside collection will continue as usual, but the city is asking Vancouverites to be mindful of the health and safety of employees. So only put bins out when they’re full, make sure all personal waste is in plastic bags, double bag things if a sick person is in the household, do not dispose of wipes or cleaning clothes that aren’t “compostable” or flushable” down any drains since they will clog the sewer system. If possible, try to hold off on spring cleaning projects to stop any overloading of waste facilities.