The release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) signifies that another important step in the competitive selection process has been achieved. This process is to select a design-builder to deliver the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre replacement project.

The release of the RFP follows the announcement of the shortlisted teams in August. Three qualified teams were selected from a group of eleven that responded to the Request for Qualifications, which closed on July 19. The three teams selected to move forward to the RFP stage were:

• Bird DB Construction Inc.

• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.

• Stuart Olson Dominion and MCM

"This project has been a priority for local families, and I am excited that we have reached yet another milestone," said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid. "The creation of this new facility will not only improve health care for residents but will also benefit families through the creation of jobs over the life of the project."

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

"This project will enable NH physicians and clinicians to deliver client-focused, health-care services in a modernized environment that will ultimately improve outcomes for patients," said Michael McMillan, Northern Health's chief operating officer. "Releasing the RFP is an important milestone for this project, as it will help decide the team to design and build the new facility."

The current Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre in Burns Lake was built in 1962, and refurbishing was deemed too costly. It is expected to generate approximately 200 direct jobs during the construction period.

"There are three great teams heading into the RFP process," said Ralph Roy, chair of the Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District. "I'm excited to get shovels in the ground once the competitive selection process has concluded and an agreement has been signed to deliver the project."

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 new building will be energy efficient, built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standards and optimize the use of wood consistent with the Wood First Act. The total value of the replacement hospital is estimated to be up to $55 million. Funding will be cost-shared by the government of B.C. and Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

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

Northern Health
250 961-7724

BACKGROUNDER

Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre replacement project

The Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre Replacement project (LDHHC) was officially announced by the B.C. government and Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District in Burns Lake on April 12, 2012. After the official announcement, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released on May 30, 2012 and closed July 19, 2012, with 11 responses received. Three teams have been shortlisted and have been invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage of the competitive selection process.

Site preparation activities underway

Site preparation work began in August 2012 with the removal of the nurses' residence and existing building services. Installation of new water and sanitary sewer services for the new facility, and relocation and removal of portions of the perimeter fencing are being carried out this fall to make way for major construction activities to begin in the new year. Yellowridge construction Ltd. was awarded the approximate $1.3-million contract to carry out the work.

Nickel Brothers Construction Ltd. also participated in the site preparation work by relocating the nurses' residence from the northeast corner of the property to the southeast.

Contacts:

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

Northern Health
250 961-7724