BC Parks is advising visitors to Peace Arch Provincial Park that there is a new $5 per day parking fee in effect.

The advisory was issued in late June after the Semiahmoo First Nation decided to institute the parking fee.

While the province announced in May 2011 that parking in all provincial parks would be free, the parking lot at Peace Arch Provincial Park is on Semiahmoo First Nation land. The BC Parks' website states parks staff are in active discussion with the First Nation over use of the lot.

The website also states that because the parking lot is outside of park land, BC Parks is not responsible for vehicles or occupants in the parking lot. Members of the Semiahmoo Fist Nation could not be reached for comment.