People in Burnaby are another step closer to expanded, modernized health-care services as Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority have selected the preferred proponent team for Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project.

The multi-party contract, known as a single target outturn cost alliance development agreement, involving PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. and Parkin Architects Western Ltd., was signed and approved on June 21, 2024. This alliance agreement means the owner, builder and designer team up for full project delivery.

“The vision to redevelop the Burnaby Hospital has always been to allow more people to have access to modernized acute-care services, such as life-saving cancer care, within their community,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “With Phase 1 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project well underway, Fraser Health is taking more major strides. I’m excited that we’ve reached this milestone because it means we are closer to beginning design and construction for Phase 2.”

Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment includes the construction of the Keith and Betty Beedie Acute Care Tower, which will feature 160 private rooms to support general medicine, medical oncology, cardiac telemetry, intensive care and high-acuity patients, a new medical imaging department with two CT scanners, a spiritual-care suite, public spaces and hospital support services.

“We are grateful to our partners, staff and medical staff for their agility and dedication to our patients, families and communities as we make space for construction needs,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health. “This redevelopment project is not just about building a new facility, it's about fostering hope, enhancing patient care and shaping a healthier future for everyone in Burnaby.”

The new tower will also be home to the new BC Cancer – Burnaby McCarthy Centre, which will include 54 ambulatory-care rooms, 31 chemotherapy chairs, space for five linear accelerators, space for two PET/CT scanners, an oncology pharmacy, and clinical trials and research space.

Phase 2 also includes the demolition of the West Wing building, expansion of the emergency department to 104 treatment spaces, and renovations to the endoscopy and laboratory components. Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and be ready for patients in 2030. The total cost of Phase 2 is approximately $1.7 billion with funding from the Province, Burnaby Hospital Foundation and BC Cancer Foundation.

“As a key funding partner, we are thrilled to contribute to this pivotal phase of our hospital’s transformation,” said Kristy James, president and CEO, Burnaby Hospital Foundation. “Our steadfast commitment to enhancing patient care and community health in Burnaby, East Vancouver and the surrounding areas remains unwavering. This redevelopment initiative mirrors our dedication to advancing medical excellence and innovation, setting a new standard in health-care delivery.”

In April, a Phase 1 construction milestone was reached with the removal of two cranes from the site. Phase 1 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, undertaken by design-builder EllisDon, includes the construction of the new health-care pavilion, which features maternity, neonatal intensive care, mental-health in-patient and medical in-patient units. The estimated completion date for the new pavilion is 2025.

Additional work underway in Phase 1 includes a comprehensive upgrade of the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre, now with a total of 10 new or upgraded operating rooms, as well as renovations to the emergency department and other support areas as part of the expansion and renovation of the Support Facilities Building.

Quick Facts:

• An alliance agreement involves a multiparty contract between an owner, builder and designer to collectively undertake the full project delivery.
• Commonly used in Australia and the UK, alliance agreements are an equitable and collaborative model that is well-suited for large-scale, complex projects where a high-level of co-operation and flexibility is required. 
• Burnaby Hospital opened in 1952 and provides a range of acute-care services, including emergency care, critical care, surgery, maternity, neonatal intensive care, palliative and adult mental-health and substance-use services.
• Burnaby is the province’s third-largest city, and the number of patients requiring hospital care there is expected to increase by approximately 60% by 2036.

Learn More:

To learn more about Burnaby Hospital Redevelopment, visit: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/capital-projects/projects/burnaby-hospital

To learn more about health capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects

A backgrounder follows.