VILLAGE OF The release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) signifies another important step forward in the competitive selection process to select a design-builder to deliver the Queen Charlotte/Haida Gwaii Hospital replacement project.

"Releasing the RFP is an important step for the Queen Charlotte/Haida Gwaii Hospital replacement project," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "I am excited to see the project continue to progress, as it will benefit both patients and health professionals."

"I'm very pleased with the early progress of the planning for this new hospital," said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong. "The new hospital will include residential care beds, along with space for public-health services, oncology services and mental-health care.

The release of the RFP follows the announcement of the shortlisted proponent teams on Nov. 23, 2012. Three qualified teams were selected from a group of 10 that responded to the Request for Qualifications, which closed on Sept. 21, 2012.

The three teams selected to move forward to the RFP stage are:

• Bouygues Building Canada and Perkins+Will
• Bouygues Construction
• Perkins+Will
• Lark/Maple JV
• Maple Reinders Inc.
• Lark Projects Ltd.
• CEI Architecture
• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
• Hughes Condon Marler Architects

"The Queen Charlotte/Haida Gwaii Hospital will be a cornerstone for the delivery of health services for our residents," said Carol Kulesha, mayor of Queen Charlotte and vice chair of the North West Regional Hospital District. "This summer will mark the end of the procurement process and we will be breaking ground. That is very exciting."

The new hospital, with a reconfigured layout to benefit the delivery of acute and emergency services, will house:

• 17 beds (eight acute care beds, eight residential care beds for clients with complex needs, and a labour/delivery/recovery suite).
• Emergency services.
• Oncology services.
• Diagnostic imaging.
• Laboratory.
• Provision for public health, mental health and addictions, and home and community care service, as well as local physician and emergency services.
• Pharmacy.
• Administrative offices.
• Food services.
• Logistical services.

The existing Queen Charlotte Islands General Hospital plays a critical role in serving the health-care needs for the Village of Queen Charlotte, Skidegate, Sandspit and surrounding communities. The facility was originally constructed in 1950 and has served the community well, however, refurbishing has been deemed too costly. Once construction of the new hospital gets underway, it is expected that the project will provide stimulus for the local economy while generating approximately 189 direct jobs and 143 indirect jobs.

"This project will provide enhanced patient care services for the Village of Queen Charlotte and surrounding communities," said Penny Anguish, Northern Health's chief operating officer for the Northwest. "The new hospital will support Northern Health staff and physicians in meeting demand based on future projections for health-care service needs."

Northern Health expects to choose a preferred proponent and award a contract in summer 2013, with design-build activities commencing shortly afterwards.

The new building will be energy efficient, built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standards, and will optimize the use of wood consistent with the Wood First Act.

The total value of the replacement hospital is estimated to be up to $50 million. Funding will be cost-shared by the Province and the North West Regional Hospital District.

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)
Northern Health
250 961-7724