More Than Just a Blue Sign: Why Van-Accessible Parking is White Rock’s Next Big Need

Written By Susan Bains

Image of two adjacent accessible parking spots side by side.

When you see a blue accessibility symbol in a parking lot, you might think the job is done. But for many members of our community, a standard "handicap" stall is often just as inaccessible as a flight of stairs.

At the Equal Access Collective, we believe that access doesn't start at the front door of a business—it starts the moment you arrive. That is why our current focus is shifting toward a critical, often overlooked pillar of urban planning: Van-Accessible Parking.

The "Van-Life" Reality

Many of our members use modified vans equipped with side-entry ramps. For these ramps to deploy, a vehicle needs more than just a wider stall; it needs an "access aisle"—that striped buffer zone next to the parking spot.

Without that extra 2.4 meters of space, a ramp cannot lower, and a wheelchair user cannot exit their vehicle. When a city lacks these specific stalls, entire sections of our community are effectively "locked out" of visiting local shops, medical appointments, or the waterfront.

Identifying the Gaps

We have been consulting with White Rock city workers to identify where our current infrastructure is failing. It’s not just about the number of spots, but their location and design:

  • The Grade: A ramp deploying onto a steep slope can be dangerous or impossible to navigate.

  • The Path of Travel: Once out of the van, is there a curb cut nearby? Or is the user forced to wheel behind other parked cars in a high-traffic zone?

  • The "Van-Accessible" Label: Proper signage is essential so that those who don't need a ramp leave those specific stalls for those who do.

Advocacy is Not an "Ask"—It’s an Obligation

Under the Accessible British Columbia Act, our local governments have an obligation to identify and remove barriers. We aren't asking for special treatment; we are advocating for the basic right to move freely through our own city.

The success of the Pier project showed us that White Rock is ready to listen. Now, we need to ensure that the journey to the Pier (and every other part of our city) is just as seamless.

How You Can Help

We are currently building a map of "Access Gaps" in White Rock.

  • Have you struggled to find a spot that fits your ramp?

  • Is there a specific business area where you feel the parking is non-compliant?

See it, send it. Take a photo or send us an email at director@equalaccesscollective.ca. Your lived experience is the data we need to bring to City Council to ensure White Rock is accessible for everyone, from the moment they put their car in park.

Susan Bains