BURNS LAKES - Site preparation work for the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre replacement project site is now complete.

The $1.3-million contract awarded to Yellowridge Construction was completed on Dec. 3, 2012, on time and on budget.

"Achieving this milestone of completing site preparation activities is an important step forward for the hospital replacement project," said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad on behalf of Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "Our government is committed to this project and pleased with the progress."

In August 2012, Yellowridge Construction began site preparation activities which included the removal of existing building services, installing new water and sanitary sewer services for the new facility, and relocation and removal of portions of the perimeter fencing. Also included in the work was a contract to Nickel Brothers for the relocation of the existing nurses' residence, which took place on Aug. 20, 2012. The nurses' residence is now ready for occupancy.

"It was very exciting to watch the nurses' residence move and I am happy that it is once again occupied in its new location," said Ralph Roy, chair of the Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District. "The Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District is pleased that the site preparation work is completed and that the site is ready for construction to begin next year."

The Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre Replacement project was announced by the B.C. government on April 12, 2012. The process to select a design-build team is in the request for proposals (RFP) stage. The RFP will close in the spring of 2013, after which time a preferred proponent will be selected based on the submissions.

The total capital cost of the project is up to $55 million. Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.

"Due to the limited construction season in Burns Lake, having the site preparation work completed prior to awarding the design-build contract will allow the successful team to start building the new facility in the spring of 2013," said Michael McMillan, Northern Health chief operating officer for the northern interior health service delivery area. "Northern Health is excited that this stage of the project is completed and is looking forward to construction starting next year."

Media Contacts:

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

Northern Health
Media line
250 961-7724