Calgary not likely to pursue RV parking sites, city admin points to high costs

City of Calgary administration is unlikely to set aside dedicated parking for people living in recreational vehicles, and that is drawing ire.

Calgary is unlikely to set aside a permanent location for people living in recreational vehicles, with city officials pointing to high costs, long development timelines and what they describe as limited demand.

A report presented to council’s Community Development Committee this week said administration does not recommend creating an off-street site for occupied RVs.

The study found that setting up a city-owned location with proper servicing could cost about $200,000 per space, take at least a year and a half to launch, and serve only a small group.

The admin report added that there are roughly 20 regular occupied RVs on Calgary streets, and typically they are bound by a three-day (72 hour) parking maximum.

‘Compassion-informed’ enforcement

It’s why city officials say enforcement is “compassion-informed” and complaint-driven, involving up to five steps before tickets or tows are considered.

The city says its approach begins only when a complaint is received and from there, officers issue a series of notices over a five week period while working alongside social service agencies.

Administration maintains that creating a dedicated site for RV parking would be cost-prohibitive, with expenses far outpacing what the city normally invests in adding housing units.

In the end, administration concluded that creating a dedicated site would be financially unfeasible, estimating the cost at roughly four times higher than similar housing projects under Calgary’s Housing Strategy (up to $75,000), including both capital and ongoing operating expenses.

Multiple city sites were analyzed, but the city noted barriers such as alignment with planning policy, environmental site assessments, permit approvals, development timelines and investment cost for land upgrades and site servicing.

The report also found fewer than half of surveyed RV dwellers said they would relocate to an authorized site.

Frustration from RV residents

The report’s conclusion is not sitting well with people who rely on RVs as their primary housing.

Victor LaRock, who has lived in his motorhome for nearly 15 years, said the city is underestimating the scope of the problem.

“There are hundreds of us. They’re making it seem like this is not an issue,” LaRock said.

“They say 20, but that’s just not true. They make the number sound small, so it doesn’t look like a real issue.”

LaRock also disputes the city’s argument that high costs make a site infeasible.

“They’re claiming $300,000 per spot, but that’s nonsense,” he said.

“You’re not building anything. The city already has the land. They have closed-down trailer parks with outlets and drainage. All they would need to do is provide electricity and maybe a place to dump tanks.”

Where RVs can park in Calgary

Currently, a blanket parking ban is in place across the city for RV dwellers.

However, property owners in Calgary may park their RV in their front driveway or on the street in front of their home—but only for 72 consecutive hours from April through October.

Even then, if the property has a driveway, RVs must be parked in it during the busier summer months rather than on the street.

Todd Sullivan, leader of patrol and investigations with the Calgary Parking Authority, explained the rules:

“If you don’t have a registered address in Calgary, there isn’t technically a place within the city where you’re allowed to park an RV.”

Sullivan noted that the city encounters two main scenarios: some RVs are simply stored on streets or in industrial areas, while others serve as permanent residences.

“We recognize the housing crisis and that for some this is the only option,” he said.

“Our approach is to provide additional time and work with social services to find alternatives, treating people with dignity while still enforcing the bylaw.”

When complaints are received, the city issues a series of notices over approximately five weeks.

The first two notices provide roughly two weeks each for individuals to explore other options, and the final notice gives seven days to comply. Sullivan emphasized that notices are intended to prevent tickets, not serve as formal penalties.

“The enforcement process does not reset every time an RV moves a short distance so if an individual has already been engaged with social services and has not complied in a productive manner, we continue the process from where it left off,” Sullivan said.

Escalating fines

LaRock described a series of enforcement actions he calls “arbitrary” as he efforted to defend his position on being able to previously park along Moraine Road in northeast Calgary.

“After they couldn’t beat me in court, they started with no parking signs, then manufactured notices with no reference number or ability to appeal,” he said.

LaRock notes that parking fines have since ballooned under a blanket ban on RV parking.

“Fines went from $40 to $160 if paid quickly, and after 30 days, from $75 to $400. Parking an RV is now the most serious infraction in the traffic bylaw,” LaRock said.

“You’re living in a motorhome because you can’t afford rent, but now tickets are almost the cost of rent. It is completely and utterly ridiculous.”

Towing also compounds the hardship.

“If they tow you, that’s over $800 to get your home back. And if you can’t afford that, you’re in a tent,” he said.

“We have a right to survive and have safety and due process.”

Sullivan told CTV News that there is no appeal process for a notice.

“Because the notice effectively is just that, it’s contacting them, letting them know about the situation. Most of the time when we’re providing those notices, we’re making every effort we can to be in communication with that person, to let them know what the rules are, to discuss with them what their plans and options are,” said Sullivan.

“We’ll work with them to provide them with the time to use that location so there isn’t an appeals process to the notice, because the notice is really just a warning, if they were to receive a ticket, then they can use the full appeals process if they like, but really, the purpose of the notice is to avoid issuing a ticket in the first place.”

Councillor questions estimates

Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot, who brought forward the original motion requesting the scoping study, questioned the city’s cost estimates.

“I thought the $200,000 per door was excessive. I’m not sure how they came up with that number, but it seemed very high,” he said.

“From my perspective, they threw everything including the kitchen sink at the costs, which made it very cost prohibitive.”

Chabot explained that the bulk of costs comes from installing sewage, water, electricity, and preparing land for RVs, as well as navigating land use approvals.

He also questioned whether the survey captured all occupied RVs.

“Although they say 20, I’ve heard that there are several locations, like big box store lots, with RVs. I believe there are more than 20,” Chabot said.

Outside solutions

Chabot said the best path forward may involve third-party partners rather than city-owned sites.“Other municipalities, mostly in the U.S., have third-party providers offering temporary, compassionate opportunities — places to shower, have meals, do laundry — on private sites,” he said.

“I am committed to exploring this option if the city itself cannot provide a solution.”

LaRock said he would welcome that type of approach, noting successful U.S. models.

“In some American cities, they subsidize businesses to allow RVs to park on their property, which provides security and a place to land,” he said. “Why can’t Calgary try something like that?”

City administration said its focus remains on Calgary’s Housing Strategy, “Home is Here,” which aims to increase non-market housing options.

Officials argue the sizeable investment needed for an off-street RV site would be more impactful if directed toward broader housing solutions.

Still, LaRock and other RV dwellers say the city is ignoring immediate needs.

This blanket ban leaves us with no options,” he said.

The scoping report will be debated at Calgary city council on Sept. 16.