A driver parked in a City of Kelowna parking spot near Kelowna General Hospital got a nasty surprise when she tried to drive away.

Her tire was punctured by a piece of steel sticking out of a concrete barrier.

Kim Bronius parked on Rose Avenue while visiting a friend at KGH. When she tried to leave, she heard a 'pop' sound.

“There was a piece of rebar sticking out, and as I turned it punctured my tire,” she said Wednesday. 

Parking is difficult for Bronius on a good day, and she often tries to find somewhere close to the building because she has a handicap.

“When I find something that is close, I take advantage of it,” she said. “Then I was sitting there with a flat tire wondering what just happened.”

The city says staff have been sent to investigate the barrier and assess whether it needs to be moved or modified.

“We have been contacted by the woman and have connected her with our insurance claims department so she can describe what happened and submit a claim,” said spokesman Tom Wilson. “Once she has submitted her claim, it will be addressed by the city’s insurance provider."

But Bronius says she is concerned about safety. 

“That could be a danger to someone walking, someone driving. It screams 'where is your safety?” she said. 

A new tire will cost her about $200 on her Jeep Wrangler.