Three qualified teams have been shortlisted to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase of the competitive selection process to design and build the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre Replacement project.

In total, 11 design-build teams responded to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Following evaluation of the responses received, three teams were shortlisted:

• Bird DB Construction Inc.
• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
• Stuart Olson Dominion and MCM.

Northern Health expects to choose a preferred proponent and award a contract in spring 2013, with design-build activities commencing immediately thereafter. The replacement hospital is expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.

The replacement hospital will house up to 16 beds, provide acute care and emergency services, diagnostic imaging, a laboratory and a pharmacy. Facility space is planned for the delivery of public health, home and community care and rehabilitation, as well as mental-health and addictions services. The space will include administrative and logistical services.

The total project cost of the replacement hospital is up to $55 million. Funding will be cost-shared by the B.C. government and Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.

A new hospital in Burns Lake will enable Northern Health clinicians and staff to deliver client-focused, health-care services in a modernized environment that will ultimately improve outcomes for patients. The replacement hospital will also help to attract and retain quality health-care professionals in the community. The new building will be designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, and will optimize the use of wood in the interior and on the exterior, consistent with the Wood First Act.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation-

"Reaching this RFP milestone for the new hospital means that additional jobs and economic activity are close at hand for a community still recovering from tragedy. This hospital will serve as a symbol of hope and renewal and is an important early step in building a new future for Burns Lake."

John Rustad, MLA, Nechako Lakes-

"The people of Burns Lake and area have been following this project closely since it was announced. They'll be pleased to learn that progress is being made with the RFP shortlist selection."

Cathy Ulrich, president and CEO, Northern Health-

"It is terrific to see such a high level of interest in this project. The Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre Replacement project is important in ensuring that the delivery of high-quality health-care services is available to the residents of Burns Lake."

Ralph Roy, chair, Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District-

"The Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District is very pleased with the progress being made on this project with the release of the shortlist, and site preparation work already underway. It was very exciting to witness the move of the nurses' residence on August 20, and I look forward to celebrating many more milestones moving forward."

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Northern Health
250 961-7724