[Keith P.]

What you are seeing is typical govt thinking, and while PNS has generally been a shining example of bad thinking and planning, all levels of govt are guilty of this to some extent. In this case I believe it is being driven by several factors - the typical PNS penny wise, pound foolish syndrome ("building upward on top of a large parkade would cost 50% more, Minister!" "Well, we can't do that then."), a complete and utter lack of any appreciation for what patients require, and solutions driven by technocrats rather than a balanced view from a broader base of stakeholders. The parkade location is disastrous for the disabled, those with mobility challenges, and, y'know, sick people, who tend to frequent hospitals. One wonders how much thinking actually went into this. Did anyone consider realigning Summer St, combining two power plants into one, or otherwise using the area more efficiently? It would seem not.