A petition calling to pump the brakes on parking fee increases at BCIT is gaining momentum.
The local post-secondary school recently revealed daily parking rates across three of its campuses would go up on Feb. 1.
The uptick for Burnaby's location is set for $9.25 per day — 68 per cent from the current rate of $5.50.
It'll cost an extra dollar to park at the marine campus at $6.50, while the daily weekday rate at the downtown campus cost $20.25 instead of $12.75.
A Change.org petition started by Michelle McDonald is calling on the institution to cancel the scheduled price increases, asking for support in education over inflation.
"At first glance one may assume that this increase as a deterrent for students to drive to campus and instead take more sustainable options such as transit or cycling," the petition reads.
"Unfortunately, many students are in circumstances where taking transit or cycling to campus is not possible. This could be due to living far from campus (often associated with rent costs or financial situation) or mobility issues.
"BCIT is notorious for programs with demanding course loads ("usually six to eight rigorous courses per semester" - BCIT website: What to Expect), making working outside of your class and homework hours challenging. Paring that with inflation and the high living costs in the Lower Mainland, any additional financial strain jeopardizes the completion of an individual's education."
As of this publication (Jan. 5), the petition is nearing its 200 signature goal.
BCIT said in an emailed statement to the NOW that prices haven't changed for more than eight years and the rate increases would bring the school "more in line with parking rates at similar institutions."
However, a spokesperson said the post-secondary is offering other "flexible solutions."
"We understand some students are feeling cost pressures related to inflation and rising cost-of-living, which is why we are offering a number of flexible solutions to allow students discounted parking rates," the statement added.
"This includes the opening of a daily student economy lot that maintains the current daily rate, a cost-savings for buying monthly vs. daily, and the opportunity to purchase a monthly pass at the current rates until Jan. 31."
BCIT also said students will be able to buy a four-month pass at the current rate any time before Jan. 31, which would allow them to keep the existing daily rate of $5.50 until May 2023.
"We will continue to monitor parking on our campuses closely to ensure we deliver the best solutions for staff, students, and visitors."
