Pay parking isn't being installed at Squamish Hospital, despite rumours.
Some locals have been concerned that the lots adjacent to the Squamish Hospital were switching from their current free status, to pay, as is the case at most hospitals in the city.
A representative for Vancouver Coast Health, which is responsible for the Squamish Hospital, says there are no plans to implement pay parking at Squamish General Hospital, but staff is getting their own parking secured.
"In order to ensure parking for patients, families and our own staff, we are providing designated staff parking," VCH's Carrie Stefanson told The Chief.
The far hospital lot does seem to be a favourite for carpoolers and Stefanson said that may be an issue for patients at the hospital.
"We believe some non-hospital users may be parking on site, which restricts availability for our patients to park," she said.
Pay parking is standard in urban communities, and all of our Lower Mainland hospitals have pay parking, according to Stefanson.
"Paid parking is at a premium at healthcare sites and rates are intended to encourage stall rotation to ensure patients have access to parking at all times," she said.
At sites that do have parking, approximately one-third of gross revenues go toward the cost of providing parking service — including operational costs such as paving, snow removal, lighting, security and utilities — as well a flat monthly management fee paid to private contractors.
The remaining revenue goes back to the health authority it came from.
"This money goes into general revenue so it can be spent on any cost health authorities incur, including health services, facility maintenance and upgrades, and medical equipment."
