The TransLink board has decided to start collecting its new parking space tax immediately, despite strong opposition from a coalition of business groups.

The board voted against a motion by Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts to postpone the tax for a year, with only three of the 14 other directors supporting her motion.

The parking space tax will raise $20 million a year for TransLink. (CBC)
The parking space tax will raise $20 million a year for TransLink. (CBC)

TransLink says the parking tax is the only way it has to collect the $20 million it needs to pay for planned road and transit improvements.

CEO Pat Jacobsen warned the board at Wednesday's meeting that without the money from the parking tax, TransLink would have to eliminate $180 to $200 million worth of capital projects.

Many directors who voted for the tax said they don't think it's fair. But they maintain it's the only way to get the money TransLink needs.

North Shore business owners demonstrate their opposition to the tax. (CBC)
North Shore business owners demonstrate their opposition to the tax. (CBC)

Laura Jones of the Park the Tax Coalition said the board's decision is another blow for business, which she said already pays up to six times the tax rate paid by residential property owners.

Businesses in Greater Vancouver that provide parking for their customers will face tax increases averaging as much as $1,200 a year.

Toward the end of the meeting, the board committed to eliminate the new tax as soon as the first $20 million is collected. But a skeptical Watts said she's never heard of a tax going ahead, and then being repealed a year later.