City should fight for lower hospital parking fees: Huska

Mayoral candidate Jeff Huska said this week the city could be doing more to advocate for lower parking fees at Health Sciences North.

Huska said as he's campaigned, many conversations with taxpayers have brought up the issue of the cost of parking at the hospital. He said HSN charges $6 per visit at the Ramsey Lake Health Centre and $4 at Kirkwood and the Sudbury Outpatient Centre.

As a hospital employee, Huska said he understands the facility does not receive government funding for parking and must charge rates that cover the cost, while generating revenue. However, he said the city could be doing more to work with the hospital to bring those rates down.

"It is felt that it is another burden on patients trying to get better," Huska said. "I feel it’s city council’s responsibility to advocate for the citizens it represents, and work with the hospital collaboratively to explore options to especially meet the needs of seniors, and those in long term care."

He said the hospital does offer reduced parking for patients and their families, but added he has been told by patients that the HSN's finance office is difficult to find and many simply give up and pay the $6 out of frustration.

Huska would also like to see parking rates equalized at all hospital sites.

"As Mayor, I would work with the hospital in exploring options to reduce parking rates for patients, again, especially those with long-term care issues and the elderly ... with the ultimate goal that potentially everyone utilizing any of HSN’s facilities will pay $4 per visit instead of the $6."