A site for a new parkade at the Regina General Hospital has been selected.

The site, in the northwest portion of the existing visitor parking lot, will feature a minimum of 800 stalls.

Health Minister Paul Merriman said the parkade is coming after hearing of plenty of concerns from those who work at the hospital.

“We have heard the concerns raised by healthcare workers, patients and families about the availability and security of parking near the Regina General Hospital. We are pleased to be moving forward with this parkade project.”

Saskatchewan Health Authority Acting Vice President Infrastructure Information and Support Michelle Mula said that once complete, the parkade will offer a much-needed upgrade to parking services for the Regina General Hospital.

“We look forward to working with the project team to prioritize accessibility, safety and security for staff and patients.”

Now that the site has been chosen, the Government will select a lead technical team to take the project through final planning, procurement, design and construction.

SHA will also be assessing interim parking solutions to ensure minimal disruption to parking services through the construction of the parkade.

The new parkade will be built through a partial lease procurement model. That means the completed structure would be owned, maintained and operated by a third party, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) leasing it from that party.