Hospital parking fees stir up controversy despite money going toward patient care

The cost of living is increasing, from groceries to gas, prices are consistently going up, and now there’s controversy surrounding paying for parking at hospitals.

Hospital parking fees have come under fire most recently after a woman said she spent nearly $2,000 for parking while visiting her mother at a Toronto facility.

In Simcoe County, patients and visitors can expect to pay, on average, at least $10 per day at most major health centres, which officials say is crucial for maintaining hospital equipment and supporting programs.

“Fees that we receive from parking go towards some of our programs and services. So, any sort of supplies that are needed to support patient care, any minor equipment needs that support patient care,” explained Rachael Ogorek with Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston.

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And the message is the same with other local hospitals, including the region’s largest health centre in Barrie.

“Parking revenues are used to support hospital operations, equipment replacement, and the general upkeep of our parking lots to ensure they are accessible and safe for our patients, visitors, and staff,” explained Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s vice president of corporate services.

An official with Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) noted that there are reduced parking rates for certain visits.

“We offer free parking for visits and short appointments under 30 minutes, and we provide complimentary parking for veterans in recognition of their service,” the statement noted.

CGMH added that parking rates haven’t changed in the past decade and there are no plans to increase them at this time.

While at Stevenson Memorial, Ogorek said for patients who visit more regularly, parking fees are lowered.

“We do have a reduced rate for a weekly rate as well as a monthly rate. And that relates to staff as well. So staff rates are a bit similar in line with the monthly rate,” she added.

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial and Georgian Bay General also have reduced rates for longer term patients.

Parking revenues for the five hospitals in the region are all in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per year - funding officials say they hope will eventually come from the Ministry of Health.