The province’s minister of health said there will never be enough parking at Halifax hospitals, but things have “settled out” since it became free two months ago.
Michelle Thompson told reporters they are not receiving as many complaints but acknowledged they will never satisfy the true need.
“I don’t think the goal is ever that there will be capacity for every single person to have a spot all the time. I don’t think that’s realistic,” said Thompson.
Hospital parking has been a hot button topic in Halifax for quite some time but got worse after it became free, May 1, especially for staff.
According to Nova Scotia Health they were about 4,000 parking spots short for healthcare workers alone with a need for over 6,000 and only 2,300 available.
Staff are also not allowed a spot in the QEII parkade during peak hours – Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., while the hospital undergoes an expansion.
However, Thompson said things are going much better now with parking in the city “difficult at the best of times” considering the congestion.
New lot
Nova Scotia Health said they were considering all options to try and mitigate the parking headache, but Thompson said for now, they’ve “reached where we’re going to be”.
Hundreds of spots are slated to be available later this summer for healthcare staff with a lot on South Street.
It is currently a paid lot across from the IWK but will provide 260-270 spaces, for free.
Dexter Construction has been awarded the contract to do the necessary prep work, but it has not yet been tendered.
$500 ticket
A $500 ticket is also in the works for drivers who park at the hospital without a reason for being there.
Thompson said they are not seeing a lot of warnings given, but the fine is on the way, they are just working on the requirements.
“There are a few things that have to happen with HRM as well as through a number of different processes,” said Thompson.
She added that people have been respectful, and the ticket will be a last resort but important to have it eventually.
