A preferred proponent has been selected to finalize a design-build agreement with Northern Health to deliver the new Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre.

The naming of PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.as the preferred proponent with design partner CEI Architecture follows an extensive evaluation of the three teams that were shortlisted to design and build the new facilities.

"Today we have reached an important milestone in the delivery of a new hospital and health centre for the communities of Burns Lake," said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad on behalf of Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "The new hospitals will benefit patients and their families as well as be a great environment for health-care workers."

The replacement hospital is scheduled to be completed by fall 2015. The project is expected to generate approximately 200 direct jobs during the construction period.

"The Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District is pleased with the progress of the hospital and health centre replacement project to date," said Ralph Roy, Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District chair. "This project is important for the region as it will provide enhanced patient-care services and will support Northern Health in meeting demand projections for health-care services."

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

"With the short construction season in the Lakes District region, it is important to maximize the time available for PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. to work on the project," said Michael McMillan, Northern Health's chief operating officer. "Selecting our partner in this project before the start of spring means they will be able to prepare to get shovels in the ground once it has thawed."

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, and will be refined once the contract has been awarded. Funding will be cost-shared by the Province and Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.

Media contacts:

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

Northern Health
250 961-7724