For the first time in eight years, parking rates are going up at Health Sciences North (HSN) on Ramsey Lake Road and the Sudbury Outpatient Centre on Regent Street.
The information was revealed on the hospital’s website. The new rates went into effect on Monday.
As of Feb. 5, 2024, HSN said these rates will be set at $4 for the first hour, $3 for the second hour, $2 for the third hour, and a maximum cost of $11.50 for a day pass.
Previously the cost of parking was $3 for the first hour of parking, $2 for the second hour, and $1 for each additional hour to a maximum of $10 per day.
"Metered parking (main and south entrance) rates remain unchanged at our sites at $2 per hour," said the HSN parking page.
Weekly passes will be eliminated and five-day and 10-day passes are being introduced at a reduced rate, said HSN. These passes will be available for purchase from the Finance Offices at both sites. The five-day pass will be $28 and the 10-day pass will be $50.
The HSN parking information page said the hike in rates could be a source of frustration for some drivers, but also offered an explanation.
"Hospitals in Ontario do not receive any funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for any costs related to parking lots. These costs include maintenance such as snow removal and equipment such as the parking gates and pay stations. Even with this increase, HSN parking fees remain well below the maximum allowable under provincial directives for hospitals," said the HSN website.
"Please note that parking rates have not changed at HSN since 2016," said the website.
“Every dollar received by HSN in net parking revenue helps us fund critical research for our patients and families,” said the website.
"Should you have any questions and/or comments please email [email protected]," the website continued.
At the Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie the cost of parking is $6 for each time your car exits the parking lot. The daily 24-hour pass is $10. Sault Area Hospital also offers limited metered parking for short visits. The rate is $1 per every 15 minutes up to a maximum of one hour.
At North Bay's Regional Health Centre, the parking rate is a flat $6 for your single parking period. North Bay's hospital also has a $50 monthly pass, a $30 two-week pass and a $20 one-week pass.
At the Timmins and District Hospital there is a flat rate of $6 for daily parking. There is no cost for the brief pick-up and drop-off in the circle at the front of the hospital. The hospital website said a monthly parking pass can be purchased for $55.
