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Ottawa Citizen
13 hours ago
- Health
- Ottawa Citizen
'A tax on sick people': Ottawa hospitals have record-breaking year for parking revenue
Article content On a recent visit to Ottawa, Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles met with MPPs and toured the new Civic hospital construction site, including the massive parking garage now under construction. But her first stop was more personal. She spent the morning with her elderly father who had been taken to the emergency department at the General campus of The Ottawa Hospital and was undergoing tests. But one person was noticeably absent during her hospital visit: her mom. 'They are fixed-income seniors. They can't afford it—and they've spent so many hundreds of dollars already on parking fees,' said Stiles. They are far from alone. Across the province, patients and advocates say the high cost of parking at a hospital amounts to a tax on sick people and their families at a time they can least afford it. And while provinces like Nova Scotia this year eliminated parking fees at all health-care sites across the province, Ottawa is currently building the city's largest paid parking garage as part of the Ottawa Hospital's new campus by Dow's Lake. Ottawa's Julie Booker, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer nearly 15 years ago, says hospital parking fees made up a significant portion of the thousands of dollars her family spent during her cancer treatments. 'When you are diagnosed with cancer, you are at the hospital all the time for appointments. The Canadian Cancer Society has found that the average Canadian spends $33,000 out of pocket for lifetime expenses. Saving parking fees would really help,' she said. Booker, who continues to work with and advocate for cancer patients, said everyone has concerns about the cost of parking. An older woman she spoke with was parking far away from the hospital and walking a long distance while undergoing radiation treatment at the General campus because she couldn't afford parking fees. 'Radiation is tiring for the best of people. She is exhausted because she has to walk so far. These people have enough to worry about.' Patients, families, caregivers and organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society all say hospital parking fees – which top out at $15.60 a day in Ottawa and at $20 or more in parts of the GTA – are an unfair and often unaffordable burden on people who are already undergoing physical, mental and financial stress. In most cases, all-day fees apply after just two hours. Advocates are encouraged to see hospital parking fees on the radar in Canada and say now is the time to do something about them in Ontario. Jeff Burch, an NDP MPP from Niagara Centre, has put forward a motion calling for the province to eliminate hospital parking fees, following in Nova Scotia's footsteps. 'Right now, people are paying hundreds of dollars a year just to get the care they need. Times are tough, and this is one simple way the government can help people and make healthcare more accessible,' Burch said. Such a motion is meant to put pressure on the government to take action. Stiles said she believes the government is starting to listen to concerns about the issue as more people speak up. Nova Scotia's parking fee elimination move involves the provincial government reimbursing hospitals for lost parking revenue. Ontario would have to do the same and 'properly fund hospitals' in order to take the burden of parking fees off patients and visitors, said Burch. But it will be a tough sell in Ontario, which has the lowest per-capita funding of hospitals in the country and where cash-strapped hospitals – many of whom are facing deficits – are increasingly reliant on hospital parking fees to keep afloat. In Ottawa, hospitals and their foundations took in more than $35 million in parking revenues in 2024, minus costs related to parking. The city's largest hospital, The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), took in the bulk of parking revenue at its multiple campuses — totalling $25.5 million in 2024 (with parking expenses of $7.6 million) compared with $20.8 million in 2023 (with parking expenses of $5.5 million). That is an 18 per cent increase in parking revenue over one year. Parking rates at TOH increased by 3.9 per cent last fall for patients and visitors and by three per cent for staff. The hospital's parking revenue is likely to increase further with the construction of a multi-story parking garage at the new Civic campus, which is scheduled to open in the next year – years before the hospital itself is set to open. The new garage, which is located across from Dow's Lake at Carling Avenue and Prince of Wales Drive, will have 2,900 parking spots. It is currently a concrete shell built on top of the LRT tracks. The parking garage has been controversial among some residents, particularly because of its presence on the edge of some of the most widely prized green space in the city and because of its size. Earlier drawings showed the finished parking garage mostly hidden by grass berms and trees with a park on top. It is unclear whether that has changed. It is one of two large hospital parking structures built in Ottawa in advance of the hospitals they will serve. At CHEO, construction on the new 1,050-space parking garage began long before ground was broken for the new Children's Treatment Centre. The Ottawa Hospital has said that the parking garage was built first to make sure construction workers on the new campus had a place to park and to ensure parking was available as soon as it was open. To some, the fact that the parking garages come first is a symbol of how inextricably tied parking is to healthcare in Ontario. Individual hospitals and their umbrella body – the Ontario Hospital Association – say they understand that some patients, families and health care workers have concerns about hospital parking fees. 'We know that many Ontarians are currently on limited budgets or fixed incomes and may also be facing health care challenges,' said Marina Bozic, a spokesperson for the Ontario Hospital Association. Hospitals are working to address some of those concerns, she said, including policies to help cases 'where parking costs may pose a significant concern.' But hospitals also rely on the revenue, they acknowledge. 'Unfortunately, Ontario hospitals are managing many financial pressures, and they are often faced with challenging budgetary decisions aimed at containing costs while meeting the increasing service needs of patients. The OHA (Ontario Hospital Association) and its members remain in close contact with the Government of Ontario on these matters as the financial and operational stability of hospitals and the provision of high-quality care for patients is our paramount priority,' Bozic said. Rebecca Ableson, spokesperson for The Ottawa Hospital, called parking a 'long-standing challenge' at TOH and across the province. Parking funds, she said, support key capital projects at the hospital, help pay for new medical equipment and help build new patient care environments that are not funded by the government. At Queensway Carleton Hospital, proceeds from parking help to pay for things such as medical equipment, which are not funded by the government, said spokesperson Natasha Curley. In 2024, Queensway Carleton's parking revenue was $4.88 million, up from $4.16 million the year before. And at Montfort Hospital, parking is managed by the Montfort Foundation. In 2024, parking revenues were just over $2 million and were almost entirely invested in education and research at the hospital's research institute Institut du Savoir Montfort, said spokesperson Martin Sauve. CHEO's parking revenue was $4.2 million dollars between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. The revenues are invested in programs, services and medical equipment such as MRIs. CHEO and other hospitals offer frequent user passes and long-term passes at a discounted rate. Replacing that hospital revenue is one challenge, but eliminating hospital parking fees also comes with other challenges.
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer Français
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. "Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible," says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. "It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients." Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. "This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear," says Dr Booth. "The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care." The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be "remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs," making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's story Terri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. "One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable," says Terri. "Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible." Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. "By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients," says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. "The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it." The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. 'Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible,' says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. 'It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients.' Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. 'This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear,' says Dr Booth. 'The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care.' The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be 'remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs,' making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's story Terri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. 'One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable,' says Terri. 'Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible.' Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. 'By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients,' says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. 'The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it.' The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
World-first clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon cancer
A Canadian Cancer Society-funded trial reveals that guided exercise can save and prolong lives by reducing risk of cancer recurrence and second cancers TORONTO, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking clinical trial funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that physical activity can significantly improve outcomes for people with colon cancer. Researchers say the study is the first in the world to use structured exercise to increase cancer survival. The trial results, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have the potential to change clinical practice. They show that, when incorporated into cancer care for people with colon cancer, a structured exercise program reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and of new primary cancers developing. "Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible," says study co-chair Dr Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer. "It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients." Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Last year, an estimated 25,200 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9,400 people died from it. To improve outcomes, a team led by Dr Courneya and Dr Chris Booth – study co-chair, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University – has been working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) on this first-of-its kind trial. The 17-year international trial involved 889 people, all of whom had been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer. After having surgery and chemotherapy, participants were given a 3-year structured exercise program or standard health education materials that are currently given to patients. Each participant in the exercise program chose their own forms of moderate-intensity exercise – from walking to pickleball – with the goal of adding 2.5 hours of exercise per week to their regular activity schedule. The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. "This is the first clinical trial in the world designed to answer whether exercise can improve cancer survival, and the results are clear," says Dr Booth. "The next step is to put this into practice. That means health systems will need to invest in behaviour support programs as part of standard care." The researchers are currently conducting a comprehensive health economic analysis. According to Dr Booth, they anticipate that the program will be "remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs," making it sustainable for health systems. Terri's storyTerri Swain-Collins was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after a screening test led to further investigation. Following treatment including surgery and chemotherapy, she was invited to join Dr Booth and Dr Courneya's clinical trial. During the trial, she worked closely with a physiotherapist to establish and maintain a fitness routine personalized to her needs. "One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable," says Terri. "Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible." Now, 3 years later, Terri continues to walk 3 times a week, feels fit and remains cancer-free. She says she is grateful for the impact of the program on her health and well-being. "By bridging the gap between bold ideas and routine practice, clinical trials are essential to driving research progress that can benefit patients," says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy at CCS. "The results of this trial have the potential to save and improve lives for the tens of thousands of people in Canada affected by colorectal cancer each year, and we are proud our donors enabled us to support it." The international study co-chair was Dr Janette Vardy, from The University of Sydney (Australia) with funding from National Health and Medical Research Council. The UK team was led by Dr Victoria Coyle at Queen's University of Belfast, supported by Cancer Research UK. About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit today. About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I–III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is the Canadian Coordinating Clinical Trial Network for the US NCTN and is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society. CCTG's aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Learn more at SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office) View original content:
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Relay for Life event at Lasalle High School raises money for cancer patients
Students at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School in Lasalle participate in Relay for Life fundraiser to support local cancer patients. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor) Students at a Lasalle Ontario high school kicked off their 5th annual 'Relay for Life' event this Friday afternoon. The aim - to raise $60,000 to help those battling cancer. The fundraiser is held by schools nation-wide – with a record number of students participating this year. The event features numerous activities but most important of all are the 'survivor lap' and the 'luminary ceremony.' 053025 - Relay for Life Students at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School in Lasalle participate in Relay for Life fundraiser to support local cancer patients. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor) Most of the funds stay local - helping people who are battling cancer with transportation costs, hospital and hotel stays, a help hotline and other patient care resources. Allie Raper is manager for the Canadian Cancer Society. Raper is impressed and grateful to the students, teachers, staff and school for their efforts to support the cause. 'The dollars they are raising is supporting world class research, advocacy efforts, support services and so much more,' said Raper. 053025 - Relay for Life Students at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School in Lasalle participate in Relay for Life fundraiser to support local cancer patients. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor) 'Whether you're creating a world where Canadians don't have to live in fear of cancer, but rather how can we create a world together, living with and beyond cancer. And we're so thankful to be here with this incredible group today.' Last year the event's target of $50,000 was exceeded - with $72,000 raised in total.
