A new acute care facility at Lions Gate Hospital is one step closer, following the Province’s approval of the concept plan for the facility.

“The south acute tower at Lions Gate Hospital was opened in 1961 and has served the community well over the years,” said Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, on behalf of Health Minister Terry Lake. “I’m very pleased the concept plan has been approved and I look forward to supporting the project as it progresses, every step of the way.”

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A concept plan considers the community health needs now and into the future and includes an assessment of the project’s expected capital costs. The project now will proceed to the business plan phase, which includes further analysis of health-service needs and more detailed information on its scope, procurement plan and funding.

“It’s great that we are another step closer to a new acute care facility at Lions Gate Hospital,” said Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour. “This is an investment in health care for all of those served by the hospital as well as the health professionals who provide care to patients.”

“The Province is focused on providing patient-centred care and a new acute care facility at Lions Gate Hospital is a reflection of that commitment,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan.

“This facility will provide vital services for the community and today’s announcement means we are drawing nearer to seeing a new, state-of-the-art health centre at Lions Gate Hospital,” said West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy.

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Details of the new facility will be finalized over the next 18 months during the business planning phase. A separate $26-million project to replace the hospital’s 1961 power plant on the Lions Gate Hospital site also was approved to proceed to construction.

“Lions Gate Hospital has been an integral part of this community for almost 80 years and the concept plan approved today means it will continue to do so for another 80 years or more. Our staff and physicians are honoured to serve the needs of more than 75,000 Coastal patients every year and this new state-of-the-art acute care facility will not only meet their needs, but the needs of our changing population,” said Karin Olson, chief operating officer, Coastal Community of Care, Vancouver Coastal Health.

Lions Gate Hospital Foundation today launched a major fundraising campaign for the new facility, with a goal of raising $100 million. To date, the foundation has raised $50 million.

In 2015, the foundation received a $25-million gift from North Shore resident and local entrepreneur Paul Myers to support the future development of Lions Gate Hospital. In recognition of Myers’ gift, the hospital’s south acute tower was named the Paul Myers Tower in his honour. This name will be transferred to the new acute care facility.

“It’s early days, but we have been meeting with key business and community leaders, many of whom have already made early commitments to this project,” says Ryan Beedie, president, Beedie Development Group and Lions Gate Hospital Foundation campaign chair. “Like me, they see the need, and the fact that we have already raised $50 million of our $100-million goal is a powerful statement about the importance of this project to our community. I believe everyone has a part to play in this campaign and when the centre is built, it will be something everyone in our community can be proud of.”

Lions Gate Hospital is one of five neurosurgery centres in British Columbia, providing a full range of general and specialized acute care services. The hospital has 268 beds, eight operating rooms, and a variety of diagnostic services and equipment.

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.