Work is underway to expand the parking lot at the Garrison Grounds.
The federal government says the project is in collaboration with the province in an effort to create more parking options for healthcare workers during the QEII expansion.
New parking spaces will be required when the Robie Street parkade is demolished, expected to happen, sometime this year.
According to Nova Scotia Health, Build Nova Scotia has the contract for the new parking lot to have a convenient place for healthcare workers to leave their vehicle.
The health authority says, according to organizations and neighboring businesses, the citadel is a practical location.
Parks Canada says they have received feedback from the community and have determined the project is “not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.”
They say this was determined by a number of factors:
- Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
- Indigenous knowledge;
- Community knowledge;
- Comments received from the public; and
- Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.
Mitigation measures are required for the project to address soil and vegetation.
Parks Canada told our newsroom that preserving natural and cultural heritage is their “top priority” and that the grounds will continue to be an important recreational green space.
They say the agreement they have with the province, is for the parking lot to stay for ten years.
“At the end of this period, Parks Canada will consider a variety of opportunities for the future of the land, informed by national historic site and community needs at the time.”
In the meantime, work that is required to expand the parking lot includes removing some asphalt, curbs, grass and soil.
When finished, there will be 140 new spots, for a total of 247 as well as new lighting, four EV charging stations and a new storm management system.
The section marked with yellow will be the green space the lot will expand in to. Source: Parks Canada
Work is expected to be completed over the summer.
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