HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s health minister says hospitals in the Halifax area are going through “growing pains” as they adjust to free parking.
The government promised free parking at hospitals during last fall’s election campaign, and the new system went into effect May 1 at an estimated cost of $19 million annually.
But Health Minister Michelle Thompson says there needs to be “tweaks” to the new policy as hospitals figure out how to allocate the limited number of spaces.
Thompson told reporters Thursday that a balance needs to be struck in reserving spots for patients and staff.
Unions for staff at the Halifax Infirmary, Victoria General and IWK Health Centre have voiced concern about a lack of spots when many employees show up for work.
The province says the Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General hospital together need almost 4,000 more parking spaces than are currently available to meet demand.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025.
