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By Fraser Valley Today Staff

online input sought

Public input sought for next step of Abbotsford Commercial Truck Parking Strategy

Jan 27, 2025 | 6:52 AM

ABBOTSFORD — The City of Abbotsford has entered the final planning phase of its Commercial Truck Parking Strategy, an initiative designed to tackle the increasing demand for overnight truck parking.

The strategy, part of the City Council’s Strategic Plan, involves a three-stage process to identify and implement solutions to the issue. After completing background research and engaging with stakeholders and the community in phase two in 2024, city staff have released a draft plan with five proposed strategies. Public feedback is now being sought to ensure the proposals meet the needs of the community and the trucking industry.

Abbotsford’s role as a transportation hub has increased the need for truck parking, particularly for long-haul and local drivers. However, city staff say that expanding truck parking on agricultural land is constrained by provincial mandates.

The draft plan recommends maintaining current allowances for agricultural zones, which include unlimited parking for vehicles directly linked to farm operations and two spaces for trucks unrelated to farming. While some public feedback supported allowing more non-farm-related parking on agricultural land, staff noted that provincial regulations prioritize farmland protection.

The draft strategy outlines five key proposals for public input.

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1. Reduce Parking Minimums in Industrial Areas
Staff propose reducing vehicle parking requirements for employees and customers in industrial zones to create additional truck parking spaces. This adjustment, already adopted by other municipalities in the Lower Mainland, could serve as a quick solution for short-haul truck drivers.

2. Advocate for Provincial Involvement
The city plans to continue advocating for the inclusion of overnight truck parking in provincial and regional transportation plans, particularly along the Highway 1 corridor. Currently, British Columbia lacks a comprehensive freight movement strategy, which is common in other jurisdictions across North America.

3. Utilize Non-ALR Land Along Fraser Highway
One proposal recommends redesignating privately owned land outside the Agricultural Land Reserve along the Fraser Highway for truck parking and servicing. This idea, which received strong public support, could be implemented through updates to the city’s Abbotsforward 2050 Official Community Plan.

4. Allow Truck Parking at Regional Commercial Sites
Another strategy would enable property owners of regional commercial sites, such as big box stores, to offer overnight truck parking. A minor zoning bylaw amendment would allow for quick implementation, benefiting short-haul drivers.

5. Permit Parking on Industrial Streets
The final proposal involves designating specific industrial streets for overnight truck parking, following the model used in Surrey. A pilot program would test its effectiveness before expanding it to other areas. The solution is supported by the trucking industry and requires no new infrastructure.

Residents, business owners, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft strategy through an online questionnaire available on the city’s “Let’s Talk Abbotsford” website.