The Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board voted Monday night in favour of a controversial plan to allow motor homes to park at certain beaches during the Olympic games.
The board voted 4 to 1 in favour of the plan, which will allow about 400 motor homes to park at Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks. It will cost $95 per night.
The RVs can roll in two days before the Olympic games start Feb. 10 and stay until March 2.
Public opposition had been mounting before Monday night's vote.
Phyllis Tyers, president of the North West Point Grey Home Owners' Association, wrote the board and Vancouver mayor on behalf of the group, citing a lack of public consultation with residents.
Tyers says residents are concerned about the commercialization of park land through a private RV company, noise from shuttles and garbage trucks, and the eyesore of 365 RVs in their neighbourhood.
But after fliers were distributed in the neighbourhood last month, parks commissioner Loretta Woodcock said she didn't foresee any controversy from residents.
"Normally, we get complaints from residents about people camping illegally on the beach," she said. "This is different. It will be very controlled, managed and monitored."
"It actually brings security into the neighbourhood during the Olympics."
