Parking tickets at Halifax’s QE II, IWK hospitals now $500

Halifax, NS – Drivers will now face a hefty $500 fine for unauthorized parking at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) and IWK Health Centre, a measure implemented by the province to prioritize parking for staff and legitimate visitors. The new regulation came into effect on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

The move is the latest attempt to address a persistent parking shortage at these vital healthcare facilities, which intensified after the province lifted parking fees at hospitals across Nova Scotia this past spring. While the free parking was welcomed by many, it has inadvertently led to increased usage of hospital lots by individuals not attending the facilities, making it more challenging for hospital staff and actual visitors to find a spot.

Under the new rules, tickets will be issued by special constables or peace officers. The initial fine is $500, but if not paid within 60 days, the cost will increase to $536.60.

To ensure authorized parking, patients, visitors, and healthcare workers with legitimate credentials will be added to an approved parking list. Anyone found parking in hospital lots without this permission will be subject to the new fine.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority had previously stated in May that approximately 4,000 new parking spots are required to meet current demand. In response to the ongoing shortage, the province is also planning to repave a lot on South Street, a project estimated to cost up to $1 million.

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