Wait, what? KPU doubles parking rates to daily $10 fee
The university’s 2026-27 proposed budget projects $1.2 million in parking revenue
KPU increased its daily parking rates on May 1. (File photo/Diego Minor Martínez)
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Kwantlen Polytechnic University doubled its hourly and daily parking fees on May 1.
Parking by the hour jumped from $2 to $4, and the daily parking pass is $10 from the previous $5.
“While KPU has held parking rates steady for over 10 years, enhancements to parking infrastructure, and rising operational and maintenance costs mean previous rates are no longer sustainable,” a KPU spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Runner.
The spokesperson added that the new rates are in line with other post-secondary institutions.
Douglas College has a daily parking rate of $5.50, while Langara College’s is $8.50 and Capilano University’s is $8. All three institutions have a comparable student headcount to KPU’s 15,000.
Simon Fraser University, with about 37,000 students, charges hourly rates of $4.75 or $6, with a daily maximum of $19 or $30 depending on the parking lot.
Most parking lots charge $4.50 per hour, with a daily limit of $22, at the University of British Columbia, boasting 60,000 students at its Vancouver campus.
KPU’s 2025-26 budget expects to generate $905,000 from parking. However, the 2026-27 proposed budget projects parking revenue at $1.2 million, despite a decline in student enrolment.
“There has also been an increase in KPU Shuttle service costs, which are directly supported by these revenues in partnership with the [Kwantlen Student Association],” the spokesperson wrote, also citing increased maintenance costs and the current financial situation.
The intercampus shuttle offers free bus service between the Surrey, Tech, and Langley campus. There is an evening shuttle to the Richmond campus, but is not available during the summer.
Student parking passes have not changed, remaining $58 for a month, $190 per semester, or $440 for the year.
The university wrote that accessible parking spots are free for both students and staff “at this time.”
KPU administrative, excluded, and BC General Employees’ Union staff will also see a parking increase. Faculty permits will remain consistent with their collective agreement with KPU.
Editor’s note: The online version of this article was updated for accuracy.
