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The visitors’ parking lot at the Regina General Hospital is about to shrink.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority said Wednesday that the northwest corner of the visitor lot at the hospital will be blocked off over the next few weeks while surveying and geotechnical assessments are done.
That work is part of the planning phase for the construction of a new parkade at the hospital — but that was put on hold after “anomalies” were found in the ground.
“A technical site assessment with ground-penetrating radar has identified anomalies that require further investigation before proceeding,” the SHA said in a release. “This will require an archeological assessment including on-site excavation to positively identify the nature of the anomalies and is part of the due diligence to ensure a suitable site for a parkade.
“The anomalies could be old foundations, building structures (and) other excavation activities but could also potentially be historical burials.”
According to the SHA, there are “historical gaps” in the information about the buildings and occupants who were on the site through the years, so there isn’t any record of what could be in the ground.
The health authority said a cottage hospital opened on the site in 1895 and there were “subsequent additions and changes in owners and operations” to that building as the years passed. There also was a Children’s Aid Home in the area.
The ministries of health and SaskBuilds and Procurement will work with the SHA and other organizations if human remains are found.
The SHA said an update on the work and possible findings will be given at a later date.
Parking at the General has been a concern for years, with issues surrounding things like the dwindling number of spots available and the safety of visitors and staff.
In March of 2020, the Saskatchewan government directed the SHA to examine the feasibility of putting a parkade on hospital grounds. That possibility was greeted with relief by staff members.