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.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
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.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Heavy snow, freezing rain warnings hit parts of Canada, expected to last throughout Monday
Significant snowfall and heavy rain hit parts of Canada on Sunday and the weather system is expected to continue into Monday morning and throughout the day.
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 has hit 25 days
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers has hit 25 days.
Most Canadians view illegal immigrant border crossings as concern for U.S.: Nanos survey
More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe the flow of illegal immigrants from Canada to the U.S. is a concern, according to a new survey.
Government faces third Tory non-confidence vote ahead of potential fiscal hurdle
The Liberals are set to face a third Conservative non-confidence vote today, but the government is likely to survive with the support of the NDP.
Jay-Z accused of sexually assaulting 13-year-old in 2000 incident along with Sean 'Diddy' Combs
A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs has amended her lawsuit to include allegations that she was also assaulted by Jay-Z at the same party.
Suspect wanted after victim forcibly confined, assaulted, and threatened with death in Scarborough
Police have released images of an individual who allegedly forcibly confined, and assaulted and threatened to kill another person in southwest Scarborough over the weekend.
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader of the insurgency in Syria, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing to ties to al-Qaida.
Some cancer patients may forgo care due to high treatment-related costs: report
A Canadian Cancer Society report, published Monday in partnership with Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada with analysis by Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, estimates a cancer patient will face almost $33,000 on average in out-of-pocket cancer-related costs in their lifetime, including loss of income.
'Polarization' is Merriam-Webster's 2024 word of the year
Merriam-Webster has named 'polarization' as its word of the year.
Kitchener
-
Four-vehicle, fatal crash on Sunday
A 53-year-old from Toronto was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another driver was airlifted to a trauma centre. Two passengers were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and two other drivers were not injured.
-
Two 16-year-olds charged with Brantford stabbing
Two Brantford teens are accused of a stabbing that sent the victim to hospital with serious injuries.
-
Wet week ahead with rain and snow in southern Ontario's forecast
You’ll want to bundle up and bring along an umbrella when heading out the door this week.
London
-
Four-vehicle, fatal crash on Sunday
A 53-year-old from Toronto was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another driver was airlifted to a trauma centre. Two passengers were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and two other drivers were not injured.
-
A change in precipitation to start the week, more snow on the way
The London area will get a bit of a break from the snow to start the week, but it's been replaced with rain. Temperatures will remain above zero with periods of rain continuing throughout the day on Monday with a chance for sunshine on Tuesday.
-
Roof of historic hotel collapses in Bayfield
A week’s worth of heavy snow coupled with rain overnight in Bayfield proved too much for the roof of the historic Albion Hotel.
Windsor
-
What’s lowering Detroit River water levels?
If you’ve noticed the current along the Detroit River sitting lower than usual, you’re not alone.
-
'They’re going through hell': TLC Foundation treats children with cancer to free shopping spree
The TLC Foundation invited over 200 children from southwestern Ontario to Toys R Us in London, Ont. for a free shopping spree.
-
Spits erase deficit to beat Saginaw
lya Protas and A.J. Spellacy each scored twice as the Windsor Spitfires erased a 3-1 first-period deficit to defeat the visiting Saginaw Spirit 7-4. Protas also chipped in with two assists and Spellacy had one helper in the OHL game.
Northern Ontario
-
Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says
A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction."
-
Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released
The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023.
-
How the combination of diapers and splash pads led to 10K illnesses
New research is raising concerns about the safety of splash pads, which can be ground zero for germs and greatly increase the risk of spreading disease.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Winter weather travel advisory in effect for Sault, Sudbury, North Bay
Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and North Bay.
-
Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog
WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year.
-
Sault College health students showcase their work
Sault College students from three different health-care programs had the opportunity to present their work to local industry leaders at the institute’s second Health Care Research Showcase.
Ottawa
-
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENTSPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Up to 5 cm of snow, freezing rain expected in Ottawa
Another blast of winter weather is set to hit Ottawa this week, with 2 to 4 centimetres of snow in the forecast for today and the risk of freezing rain or drizzle tonight and on Tuesday. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Ottawa and eastern Ontario, warning freezing rain and freezing drizzle are possible.
-
Man, 99, still at work 7 decades after opening eastern Ontario Christmas tree farm
This weekend is one of the busiest of the year for Christmas tree farms all over the region as the holidays approach and people start looking for a fresh smell of pine in their homes.
-
Woman dead, 2 injured in Lanark Highlands crash
A woman has died and two people were injured after a single-vehicle crash in Lanark Highlands on Saturday afternoon, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Toronto
-
Will he or won't he? Signs that Ford may call an early Ontario election stack up
Inside Ontario's legislature, the halls are decked, the sounds of children’s choirs singing Christmas carols waft down the corridors, and in the air there’s a feeling of an election.
-
School bus cancellations in the GTA on Dec. 9, 2024
Freezing rain has led to school bus cancellations in some parts of the GTA this morning.
-
Woman found shot in Toronto’s east end has died, man in his 20s arrested
A woman in her 30s, who was shot in Toronto’s east end on Sunday night, has died, say police.
Montreal
-
This Ontario family's car was stolen in Montreal with their dog still in it
An Ontario family's car was stolen with their dog still in it. The car was found, but their furry friend is missing.
-
Quebec Premier meets with Trump, Zelenskyy and Musk during Paris trip
Quebec Premier François Legault met up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk while visiting Paris this weekend.
-
Quebec reaches agreement in principle with home daycare workers, ending strikes
Quebec has reached an agreement with child-care workers who have been on strike for weeks.
Atlantic
-
Federal Government announces more than $1 billion to meet New Brunswick’s electrical needs
Natural Resources Canada announced it will spend more than $1 billion for the province of New Brunswick to meet growing electricity demands in a news release Sunday.
-
Dalhousie University study applies artificial intelligence to sustainable dairy farming
A researcher at Dalhousie University in Halifax is applying modern technology to ancient practice to identify trends in methane emissions from Canadian dairy farms.
-
The 61st Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises more than $559,000 for children in need
The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising more than $559,000 for children in need on Saturday.
Winnipeg
-
Wintery weather warnings in effect for southern Manitoba
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued several snowfall, winter storm and freezing rain warnings for much of southern Manitoba.
-
Snowplows expected to hit Winnipeg streets Sunday evening
The weather outside is frightful, but the City of Winnipeg hopes to make roads slightly more delightful – and useable – with its snowplows.
-
Minnedosa residents urged to reduce sewage usage due to winter storm
People living in Minnedosa are being asked to reduce their sewage usage or risk a sewage backup in their homes and businesses.
Calgary
-
Hundreds of jubiliant Syrian-Calgarians celebrate end of Assad regime at city hall rally
Hundreds of Syrian Calgarians crowded into city hall Sunday, only instead of protesting for freedom, they were tasting it.
-
Calgary police stage checkstop on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day
Calgary police launched their first holiday checkstop Saturday night on Stoney Trail.
-
Inglewood’s Blues Can announces closing date – and a new home
The Blues Can has a new home.
Edmonton
-
Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police
Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton.
-
Skinner raises level of play in goal as Oilers win 5 of last 6 games
Over the last two-and-a-half weeks, both Stuart Skinner and the Edmonton Oilers have been on a bit of a heater, losing just once in a 1-0 chess match to the Golden Knights in Las Vegas on Wednesday, over their last six games.
-
2 arrested in connection with Friday killing of 20-year-old security guard
Two people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old security guard at a downtown apartment building on Friday.
Regina
-
Sask. RCMP arrest 1 suspect in White Bear First Nation killing, 1 still at large
Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one suspect in connection to the Dec. 3rd death of Talon Lonethunder on White Bear First Nation. The remaining suspect in the killing remains at large.
-
Creativity for a cause: Lego showcase raises funds for White City library
The White City Community Centre held a showcase over the weekend – featuring brilliant and detailed creations from Saskatchewan's finest masters of building with Lego.
-
Winter storm warnings active across central Saskatchewan
As snow continues to fall across the province, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued winter storm warnings for a large tract of central Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon honours Bella Brave with birthday celebration
It has been five months since Bella Thompson, widely known as Bella Brave to her millions of TikTok followers, passed away after a long battle with Hirschsprung’s disease and an auto-immune disorder.
-
No injuries following kitchen fire in Saskatoon
Saskatoon fire crews responded to a kitchen fire on the 100 block of Avenue U South Sunday afternoon.
-
Sask. RCMP arrest 1 suspect in White Bear First Nation killing, 1 still at large
Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one suspect in connection to the Dec. 3rd death of Talon Lonethunder on White Bear First Nation. The remaining suspect in the killing remains at large.
Vancouver
-
Young Swiftie scores seat at sold-out Eras Tour after holding up sign outside BC Place
Thirteen-year-old Sidney Ha was among the throngs of Swifties without a ticket to the Eras Tour in Vancouver who gathered outside of a fenced-off BC Place Saturday night – but thanks to one stranger’s act of kindness, she ended up inside the stadium singing along.
-
Taylor Swift ends record-smashing Eras Tour in Vancouver, after glittering global run
Taylor Swift took the stage for the final time on her record-smashing Eras Tour, watched by tens of thousands of delirious fans in Vancouver's BC Place arena and by millions on livestreams around the world.
-
Celebrities spotted at Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour performance in Vancouver
Taylor Swift fans from around the world gathered in Vancouver on Sunday to witness the final performance of her massively popular Eras Tour, including a few celebrities.
Vancouver Island
-
Young Swiftie scores seat at sold-out Eras Tour after holding up sign outside BC Place
Thirteen-year-old Sidney Ha was among the throngs of Swifties without a ticket to the Eras Tour in Vancouver who gathered outside of a fenced-off BC Place Saturday night – but thanks to one stranger’s act of kindness, she ended up inside the stadium singing along.
-
B.C. NDP provincial director hospitalized after 'serious medical emergency'
The former B.C. NDP MLA for Chilliwack and newly appointed provincial director, Dan Coulter, is in hospital after suffering a “serious medical emergency,” according to the party.
-
Prince George Taylor Swift fans rent car after flight to Vancouver cancelled
A diehard Taylor Swift fan who lives in Prince George, B.C., says a flight cancellation forced her and a group of other Swifties to rent a car and make the near 800-kilometre journey to Vancouver to catch the last dates of the Eras Tour.
