Obtaining a SPARC Pass for Designated Parking (at BCIT)
November 16, 2023
BCITFSA members with mobility issues–like all individuals in BC who face such barriers–may apply for a Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC) parking pass for designated spots across the province, including at BCIT. Once signed by a physician and approved by SPARC, designated parking allows people with mobility issues easier access to buildings and services at the Institute. People who qualify for parking permits may:
- need the extra width of the designated spaces to get in and out of their vehicles in a wheelchair.
- use crutches, a cane or other mobility aid, or
- need to park close to a building entrance because their health prevents them from walking very far.
The SPARC application asks whether applicants can walk 100 metres without risk to their health, whereas the distance from south student lots (where a member may be forced to park if they have a lot 7 pass but that lot is full) to northern classrooms is a full one kilometre. Applicants may let their doctor know about the longer distance they would potentially be required to cover (which also has some incline and can be icy), which can be noted in the “other safety concerns” section.