AHS set to raise parking rates across province, including MH Regional Hospital
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 22, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Parking fees at Alberta Health Services facilities are slated to increase April 1, due to inflation. The exact increase will vary from market to market, said AHS, but visitors can expect an average increase of $0.75 in large markets and $0.50 in smaller markets. The coming increase impacts Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Leduc, St. Albert, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray, specifically. Medicine Hat Regional Hospital’s rate will increase to $1.25 per half hour, or $8.00 for 24 hours. AHS says it has not increased parking rates in eight years, and in that time, the cost of maintaining parking structures or building new ones has gone up, making the change necessary. AHS highlighted weekly or monthly passes, volunteer driver programs, and in the cases of financial hardship on a case-by-case basis, compassionate parking passes, as options for those who may need cost-saving measures. No health-care dollars go toward parking services at AHS facilities. AHS stressed that its parking is required to be financially self-sustaining, and the organization is responsible for all maintenance costs. Details regarding specific rate changes are available at AHS.ca. 10-9
