By Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Niagara Health and Infrastructure Ontario have awarded EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare (EDIH) a $3.6 billion fixed-price contract to design, build, finance and maintain the new South Niagara Hospital. The contract reflects payments made during construction, the substantial completion payment and the monthly service payments before inflation adjustments.
“It was with tremendous efforts put forth by a great deal of people to reach this milestone. EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare is excited to reach commercial and financial close and we are looking forward to delivering this monumental project for the communities of South Niagara,” said Joey Comeau, executive vice-president and COO, EllisDon Capital.
EDIH will soon begin site work on the property, with construction planned to begin this summer. The hospital will take five years to build.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare to bring this exciting new hospital to Niagara. The team at EDIH has created a truly impressive building design that is specific to our needs, showcasing their knowledge and expertise in healthcare infrastructure,” said Lynn Guerriero, president and CEO of Niagara Health. “The new state-of-the–art hospital is going to transform healthcare for the Niagara region and will attract healthcare workers to the region.
“I look forward to watching it come to life over the next few years.”
The 1.3-million-sq. ft. hospital will be centrally located in Niagara Falls, just off the QEW on the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads. It will offer a full scope of hospital services including emergency, critical care, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services, as well as Centres of Excellence in complex care, wellness in aging, and stroke.
“Infrastructure Ontario is proud to partner with Niagara Health and EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare on this exciting project, which is working towards being the first WELL®-certified hospital in Canada,” said Michael Lindsay, president and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario. “Once complete, the new hospital will enable high-quality patient care that extends well beyond with increased capacity for the Niagara region, and serves as another example of our work across the province to ensure the delivery of quality health care for all Ontarians.”
The new 12-storey site will have up to 469 beds, state-of-the-art infection prevention and control measures, and has also been planned with the space and infrastructure to accommodate new and emerging healthcare technology.
In addition to being LEED Silver certified, the South Niagara Hospital is working towards being the first WELL-certified hospital in Canada. Spaces will prioritize the mental health and well-being of staff, patients and visitors, creating a positive workplace environment that will help attract and retain healthcare professionals. The hospital will also feature an Indigenous healing space and garden.
EDIH will be responsible for assembling the construction team and NH will promote opportunities for local businesses to become involved with the project. NH will also be highlighting opportunities for community members to become involved.