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7~~ J 2-The Canadian Champion, Friday, October 4, 2002 vParking will no longer be free at Milton hospital Man-y people upset over decision, but hospîtal says move necessai-y because of budgetary constraints By FANNIE SUNSHINE The Champion Beginning next month, visitors to Milton District Hospital (MDH) will have to pay to park, a decision that has outraged some local residents. The new parking systemn, which will he meter-operated at a fiat rate charge of $4, was necessary due to tough financial times, said Allan Halls, senior vice-president of Halton Healtheare Services (HHS). "The issue of paid parking at MDH has been a topie of discus- ~'ro corne to thec Milton hospital ater 30 years and have to pay for parking feels like the Iast straw to urban sprawl." sion for several years," he said. "HHS is currently facing serious budgetary constraints. The decision to move forward with this ini- tiative is inevitable." I-HS forecasts an $8 million shortfall in funding for 2002-03. "We're going to he producing much-needed revenues," Mr. Hals eontinued. "The decision to implement paid parking is a combination of inflation, growth and underfunding from the min- On now. [IM(ON( 400 Steeles Avenue (next to Gorrud's Auto Group) 905 875- 1700 ( AFuiraAt a www.miIltontyota.com is'try."1 He said bc believes MDH is the only full-service community ho pid i i I 5 il t 'i t km "Nuw we're joining the ranks of other hospitals. If you're jasst dropping someone off there won't he a fee and volunteers with the auxiliary won't have to pay for parking." But Milton's Elizabeth Kiddle, who heard about the new park- ing fee from friends who work at the hospital, said she's sickened over the parking fees. "1 don't know the amount they will he chargmng and 1 don't care," the No. 5 Sideroad resident told The Champion. "It's like oh my God, what are they going to do next? To corne to the Milton hospital after 30 years and have to pay for parking feels like the last straw to urban sprawl." When told the fiat rate parking fee will be $4, Ms Kiddle said it would add up over time. "When hospital staff told me Milton was one of the only hospi- tais in the GTA to have free parking, 1 thought good for Milton. We don't have to join the urban trend." Although Fiona MacPherson of Pitfield Road believes $4 is rea- sonable for parking, she said she feels regular visitors to the hot- pital should receive a discount. "I understand it't almost inevitable that we have to pay fees but a person visiting their parents everyday shouldn't have to pay the full amount." Homby resident KarI Retzer said he believes parking at the hoa- pital should remain free. "Most of the people who use the hospital are elderly. They're hitting the people with tihe least disposable mecome who can't afford $4 every time they go. They ain't young mùilionaires. If the hospital is in desperate need of funding they should be gomng aliter the govemment." 'Me eost of implementing the new parking systemn - which will include gates, signage and barriers - will cost $1 50,000. The annual revenue is estimated at $320,000, Mi. Halls said. An additional 30 parking spaces will be added to the staff park- ing lot for visitor use, he said. Staff wili be deducted for parking through payroll, Mr. Halls TUE communOI ru FOC oin? FUIeMu ?AIuIm S Log uI Hoily Colo Fi. Oct. 18 Sp. This popular Canadian jazz sensation has been wowing audiences with sangs that cauld anly be classified as uniquely hers. PERFORMANCE SPONSOR di.FRSTPItO*ElistufI Erie Nagfler Sun. Oct. 20 2 plu Aduts: $22/$19/$17 (Kid.s $3 off) Amaster of many instruments and a M composer of original sangs, Naglers music s sure ta delight and engage audiences. A IN AllOU MIE The Drawer Boy Sat. Oct. 26 8 pm $40/$35/$25 Hilarity and heartbrealu mis when rural and urban meet - a celebration of the power of art and human spirit. A USTANNOUNCED! Roch Voisine Thiars. Nov. 7 8 pm Hommerson Hall $58/$54/$48 Kn own for such hits as Kissing Rain, Deliver M e, and Helene, Roch Voisine delivers an upclose and personal concert. LI'ING Oox omo 905-306-6000. OR 1-888-805-8888 ARTS PRE-THEATRE DINING 905-306-6116 4» www.ivingairts@n.ect msssAAsA(oui 403 & oui 10, Wst of Square. On.) Fr.. underground porLlng On your mark, get set.. TOYOTA a 0 TOYO