It’s been just over one year since the province implemented a $500 fee for parking at a hospital without having a reason for being there.
According to Nova Scotia Health – not one fine has been issued.
The idea of a $500 ticket came into place after parking became free at all hospitals and healthcare facilities in the province, May 1, 2025. It was a meant to be a deterrent for anyone thinking of breaking the rules.
Parking issues at the QEII were flagged again recently after a Reddit user made a post about someone parking at the hospital when going to the Great Outdoor Comedy Festival.
The 33-year-old woman describes what happened when she confronted the man about the hefty fine, while she was there visiting her partner who is paralyzed from an ATV accident.
“He then screamed bloody murder at me, called me a crazy b—-h, and proceeded to stop other cars to tell them how I’m insane” reads the post.
The woman explains in the post, the free parking is the only thing allowing easy access to her partner.
She said she planned on taking the license plate number of the man who yelled at her to security.
Parking during major events
Nova Scotia Health said they are aware of concerns about parking around the QEII during major events in the area, but their priority is to make sure there is access when coming to the hospital for care.
“In advance of last weekend’s events, Nova Scotia Health notified hospital employees that parking at Garrison Grounds would not be available and encouraged them to make alternate parking arrangement where possible,” said Senior Advisor for Public Affairs, Content and Media Relations Jennifer Lewandowski to Acadia News in an email.
Parking spots at Garrison Grounds have been available to hospital staff since the QEII expansion started.
Lewandowski said during the weekend, despite having less staff to monitor parking, there were still spots available and recognizes the challenges when demand is high.
“We will continue to monitor parking needs and explore ways to support access for patients and visitors, particularly during periods when nearby events may increase demand.”
Nova Scotia Health did not respond in time when Acadia News asked if no tickets were issued due to a lack of enforcement or whether most were indeed following the rules.
