A new parking lot is expected to be available for healthcare staff in Halifax later this summer that will provide hundreds of spaces.
The lot, at 5846 South Street across from the IWK, is owned by the Department of Public Works and will supply 260-270 spots for healthcare workers, for free.
But it could cost up to $1 million
Parking has been a hot button topic for healthcare workers in the city for a long time, but demand has skyrocketed since it became free at hospitals and healthcare facilities in May.
The health authority says this lot, owned by the Department of Public Works, needs some work before it is ready for more parking spots than what it currently holds.
Dexter Construction has been awarded the contract, which is not yet tendered, to fix it up with things like grading and paving.
Spaces in high demand
Nova Scotia Health told our newsroom in an email, they along with the IWK, are working “tirelessly” to find additional parking spaces to address “significant supply and demand challenges”.
This new lot still only puts a dent in what is needed.
The health authority said what the demand requires is around 6,00 spaces with only about 2,300 available, leaving them short roughly 4,000.
To help mitigate this, last month, 175 new spaces were made available in the Summer Street parkade.
In addition to that, Nova Scotia Health is working with the province on a slapping anyone who parks at the QEII without a reason, with a $500 ticket.
As for the new lot, the health authority says it is operated by Impark and you have to pay to use it- with the majority of those who do, healthcare workers.
It is expected to be free for healthcare staff by August 1.
