Halifax hospital to lose parkade in redevelopment, staff asked to consider walking, busing to work

A plan to cut hundreds of coveted parking spots at the Halifax Infirmary while staff are encouraged to carpool or take public transit doesn't consider the needs of those who work at all hours of the day or live outside the city, says a union representing health-care workers.

Sandra Mullen, president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, said finding parking at the province's largest hospital has always been a struggle, and the ongoing redevelopment of the site will only make things worse for staff.

"All of our members are in there working 24/7. That means that they are having to commute to work when perhaps transit isn't available. No matter where they're coming from, the types of weather does not restrict them from coming into work. They often have to be there," Mullen said in an interview.

Site preparation for the multi-year QEII Halifax Infirmary expansion project began earlier this year, with $254 million earmarked for the work. The project's first phase will see a parkade with 671 spaces along Robie Street demolished to make room for a new acute tower. The last day to park there is Aug. 25.

The only remaining on-site parkade on Summer Street will prioritize patients during the busiest hours of the day. It will have 412 spots for patients and families during those times, still a decrease from the Robie Street parkade.

Alternatives proposed

CBC News spoke to several hospital staff members who expressed concerns about parking and transportation alternatives put forward to staff by Nova Scotia Health and Partners for Care, the non-profit business development arm of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

The new Options for Parking and Transportation Program sent to staff asks individuals to indicate in the coming weeks which commuting options work best for them: "active and sustainable transportation," including walking, biking and carpooling with at least one person; discounted public transit; or parking on-site in the Summer Street parkade outside of peak hours, identified as weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time.

Staff who choose to carpool will have access to some 100 spots in the Summer Street parkade on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside of those spaces, staff will be unable to park there in order to accommodate patients during peak hours.

Off-site parking, including a lot on College Street, will continue to offer 170 spots while the Garrison Grounds will be able to provide 230 spots for Infirmary staff. The lots are a nine- to 12-minute walk from the hospital's Summer Street entrance, which will become the main entrance next month.

The Garrison lot will not be available for select dates in the fall due to previous commitments.

Jane Davies, CEO of Partners for Care, said five taxi vouchers a year will be offered for those using active and sustainable transportation or public transit.

Staff who spoke to CBC News said they were concerned about their safety getting from a parking lot to the hospital at odd hours and during poor weather, and what would happen if an employee can't find a spot when showing up for work.

"There have to be ways to remedy the problem to assist our members to be able to park in a safe and secure place and be able to get into work when they need to be there," said Mullen.

'We know it's not enough'

Davies said there is room for improvement, and the objective is for staff to choose one or more of the options that meets their needs.

"We know that we need to do more," she said. "We are not going to rest on our laurels. We know it's not enough and we are fully committed to supporting the staff with more and better options."

She said it will become evident what options work as the program is rolled out. Changes could be made to the program in the coming weeks and Davies said the hope is to have a definitive plan soon.

Davies also said security is a priority for the Garrison Grounds, and staff are being asked for input on a shuttle service.

Randi Monroe, an executive director with Nova Scotia Health's central zone, said any solution must also consider the needs of patients, particularly during peak hours.

"This is really when everybody wants to come to work and all our patients are coming in at the same time. We needed to find a solution that works for our patients — that is why we are all here — and a solution that works for our staff," said Monroe.