Downtown Vancouver Parking taxes WAY up, not just meters...
INEQUITABLE 200% TRANSLINK TAX INCREASE
(from DVBIA, personal commentary below)
Tax grab puts Vancouver at Top of Parking Taxes in North America
In a move that can only be described as uncaring and a total disregard for the concerns of the business community in the throes of a slow economic recovery, TransLink's Board of Directors and the Mayors' Council approved tripling the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on the purchase price of parking. The B.C. Ministry of Finance sent out a notice to commercial property owners and parking operators in Metro Vancouver in early December informing them that this increase is effective January 1, 2010.
With the introduction of the HST on July 1, 2010, this 21% PST will not fade away like the current 7% PST. Add the 12% HST to the tab. Total taxes for parking will add up to 35.5%. A five-fold increase from what you are paying now and the highest in North America - claiming that spot from Pittsburgh!
Ever since TransLink's inception in 1999, the DVBIA has been strongly opposed to TransLink's legislative ability to increase the tax you pay on paid parking. This is because it it unfairly targets downtown, universities and hospitals that charge for a commodity rather than give it away as is done elsewhere in Metro Vancouver, such as at shopping malls and industrial parks. Moreover, TransLink’s own data shows that travel within Metro Vancouver is no longer solely to downtown, but rather across the region. The increased parking tax creates a further disincentive for people and businesses to come downtown.
The DVBIA has suggested on many occasions that the tax be axed since it generates less than two percent of TransLink's total revenues. And, it reverses the tax shift away from businesses that the City of Vancouver has been undertaking over the last few years.
Contact the Chair of Translink Dale Parker, Mayor Robertson, and the Hon.Colin Hansen Finance Minister to voice your concern.
Feel free to contact Charles Gauthier, Executive Director of the DVBIA, for more information about the growing opposition to this unfair and outrageous tax grab and discover how you can get involved.
Dale Parker, Chair ,TransLink (604)453-4500 or board@translink.ca
Mayor Gregor Robertson (604)873-7621 or gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca
Hon. Colin Hansen (604) 664-0748 or colin.hansen.mla@leg.bc.ca
______________________end of quote from Downtown Business Improvement Association.
Blair says:
"in raw theory, I agree with the concept of discouraging vehicle traffic in the city. HOWEVER- this is inequitable period. Perhaps if transit were FREE downtown, then it could be justified. That is another discussion.
As a Realtor, I often promote transit and walkability to my clients, especially those new to Vancouver. When doing multiple showings, I often take them on a walking tour, using taxis if necessary to catch up or return to the starting point. While there are other benefits like really getting to see the area, and better conversation, it also reduces frustration of finding parking. And it most definitely is cheaper than paying for 40 mintes parking at every stop to only use 20. And don't get me started on the 30cent convenience fee for paying by phone (unless you WANT another rant).
This tax grab is counter productive, and anti-business, anti-tourist, and ill thought out. Please join me in expressing your displeasure. Or argue with me, that's ok too!
www.blairsmith.ca 604-313-8732
--Downtown Vancouver Condo Specialist. Royal LePage City Centre.