The provincial government has directed the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to conduct a market sounding and gather information to determine the feasibility of a privately built, owned, and operated parkade at the Regina General Hospital.
“Parking is a support service, not a direct health care service, so we believe it could be appropriately provided through the private sector,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “We know that parking at Regina General Hospital has been an issue for a long time, and we are committed to finding a long-term solution. It’s important that staff and visitors feel safe around the facility and have convenient access to the building.”
The Minister added that work has already been done looking into options. Where possible, immediate action was taken to alleviate the problem in the short-term, with input through community meetings and consultations, and introduction of dedicated programs to provide staff with easier and safer access to the hospital.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is committed to addressing the concerns expressed about parking around Regina General Hospital,” SHA Infrastructure, Information and Support Vice President Andrew Will said. “While we have taken actions like expansion of the Park and Ride and Safe Walk programs, we know more needs to be done. That is why we are analyzing the feasibility of a new parkade at Regina General Hospital.”
The results of the market sounding will be known in the spring, after which a decision will be made about further exploring the parkade option and issuing a Request for Proposals for the design and construction. A decision on how to proceed will be made by summer.
