Contractors selected for construction, design of new acute care tower at UHNBC

Another major milestone has been reached for the new acute care tower set to go in at UHNBC.

A contractor and design firm were selected according to a joint news release from the province and Northern Health yesterday (Wednesaday).

Ontario-based EllisDon Corporation will handle the construction elements of the $1.579 billion project while DIALOG BC Architecture Engineering and Interior Design Planning Inc. oversee the design elements.

Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson, the chair of the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District Board, stated the project will “address the crucial need for enhanced critical health care services in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and all of Northern BC.

“We are deeply invested in supporting our residents’ health and well-being and we are excited to see progress on this project that will strengthen our regional health care system for generations to come,” Atkinson added.

In addition, Aimee Cassie, CEO of Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, said the organization is tickled pink that the hospital district and recognize the project fills a major void.

“The addition of interventional cardiac care — along with expanded surgical and mental health services — is the next step for Northern BC in advancing health care in our region, and we look forward to this project coming to fruition, improving access to care for generations to come,” added Cassie.

Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma mentioned the new tower will be a place where families from the region are able to access a higher level of health care close to home.

A mechanical and electrical alliance participants will be chosen for the project by December.

From there, a development phase between all parties will occur until fall 2026, when shovels are expected to hit the ground for the construction phase.

The new tower is projected to open by winter 2031.

The Northern Interior Health Unit is expected to be relocated next spring.