Senior Voices Frustration Over New Parking Policy at Sault College

A new parking policy at Sault College has sparked frustration among some visitors, particularly seniors. This change became evident for Antoni Stasie, a 77-year-old resident of St. Joseph Island, during his visit to the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic on October 9, 2023. Stasie was shocked to find that the traditional coin-operated parking meters had been removed and replaced with a system requiring payment through mobile devices or credit cards.

Upon arriving at the clinic, Stasie was presented with a computer tablet to enter his personal information, including his name and credit card details. The cost for parking was determined by the duration of his appointment, with one hour priced at $4.25. Stasie expressed his discomfort with entering sensitive financial information into an unfamiliar device, voicing concerns about security. When he offered to pay with cash, he was informed that the clinic did not handle parking fees; these were managed by Sault College.

Stasie recalled his previous visits, where he simply had to sign a ledger. “I looked at the four other people in the waiting room; one was nodding at me sympathetically, and another gave me a thumbs-up in support,” he said. He noted a comment from another visitor who also struggled with the new system, stating, “I am too old to know how a smartphone works.” Stasie added his own remark to the ledger, labeling the situation as “BS.”

The transition to the new parking system at Sault College coincided with the launch of the Honk mobile payment platform in mid-September. Stephanie Pagnucco, the college’s Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, explained, “This move is intended to create a more efficient and consistent parking experience across campus.” She acknowledged the challenges that such transitions can bring and emphasized the availability of resources for those without smartphones.

For visitors lacking access to smart devices, the clinic offers an iPad for secure payment entry. According to Pagnucco, all sensitive information entered on the device is deleted within 20 seconds to ensure privacy.

Despite these measures, Stasie remains critical of the reliance on digital payment methods, especially for those who may not be as tech-savvy. “What I believe is utterly outrageous, however, is this presumption that people should have smartphones,” he stated. He described himself as “security conscious,” indicating he rarely gives out credit card information over the phone and always requests receipts for transactions.

Stasie, who has a background in economics and served as a Canadian Armed Forces officer, suggested alternative payment methods, such as a token system or a vehicle window sticker for clinic members. He criticized the college’s decision not to reinstall coin meters and proposed that free parking should be provided, especially for those attending medical appointments.

As he prepares for his next appointment at the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, Stasie has indicated he may opt for parking elsewhere and walking to the clinic if the current payment system remains in place. “I’ll park all the way down at (Rome’s) Independent (Grocer) and walk up to Willow,” he said.

Pagnucco stated that feedback from visitors is taken seriously as the college evaluates improvements to its parking services. She reiterated Sault College’s commitment to ensuring accessibility and facilitating a positive experience for all its visitors, particularly seniors who may be navigating these changes.

The ongoing transition at Sault College raises important questions about accessibility and the necessity of adapting to technological advancements, particularly for vulnerable populations. The college, while promoting convenience, must also consider the diverse needs of its visitors as it implements new systems.