Public parking won’t be reduced by RGH parkade construction: SHA

The Saskatchewan Health Authority confirmed the temporary reduction in parking caused by the construction of the new parkade at Regina General Hospital (RGH) will only affect staff members.

In a statement emailed to 980 CJME, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) said the interim parking plan prioritizes visitors and patients on-site at RGH, meaning there will be no loss of public parking during the construction.

It also said the entrance to the temporary parking area will move to 13th Avenue.

“A total of 342 staff parking permit holders will be temporarily displaced during construction,” the SHA said. “To assist displaced staff, the Park & Ride program – where staff can park at the Conexus Arts Centre and transportation is provided to and from RGH – has been temporarily extended to meet staff parking demand.”

The health authority encouraged all staff members to use other parking alternatives, such as public transit, walking or riding a bicycle when they are able to.

It added secure bicycle parking at RGH has been made available.

According to the SHA, the construction of the new parkade will be taking place on land where 113 staff stalls are currently located and 202 visitor stalls will also be impacted by the build.

All remaining surface stalls at RGH will be split between staff, patients and visitors, the SHA said.

“It is important to note there will be an increase in both staff and public parking availability post-construction,” the SHA said. “Once complete, the available parking stalls in the new parkade will be split for staff and public use, though exact numbers of stalls has yet to be determined based on current and expected demand and final design considerations.”

Once the new parkade has been built, the health authority added it will allocate parking spots to staff members based on current waiting lists, including those displaced during construction, as well as those who use a vehicle as part of their work.

“Staff parking and payment will continue to be administered by the SHA,” the SHA explained. “Public parking payment will be based on the same pay-by-plate system currently used at other facilities in Regina and elsewhere.”