Paid-parking at B.C. hospitals, health-care sites returns March 4
Posted January 20, 2022 2:01 pm.
Last Updated January 20, 2022 11:15 pm.
B.C. is bringing back paid parking at hospitals and other health-care sites on March 4 after the province waived the fee for almost two years.
The health minister says some people are taking advantage of the free parking and it’s making it harder for patients and staff to find spaces when they need it the most.
Free parking at provincial healthcare facilities will continue for patients getting dialysis treatment or undergoing cancer treatment in acute-care programs, and for parents or caregivers of children staying in the hospital overnight. More on @CityNewsVAN.
— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) January 20, 2022
“Maintaining across-the-board free hospital parking is making it hard for patients, staff, volunteers and visitors to find a spot, as non-hospital users are taking advantage of the situation to park for free while conducting business that’s not hospital related,” Adrian Dix said. “These hospital parking spots must be available for those who need them most.”
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Since April 2020, the province has waived about $78-million in parking fees.
Patients undergoing dialysis or cancer treatments in acute-care programs, and parents or caregivers of children staying overnight at provincial health-care facilities, will continue to have free parking.Volunteers will still be able to park for free, and financial hardship provisions will continue to be handled on a case-by-case basis by health authorities.
