Construction to Begin on QEII’s Halifax Infirmary Site
By Adam Freill
Construction InstitutionalInitial work, including site surveying and blasting preparation, to be started in in the coming weeks to prepare site for acute care tower.
Announcement of agreement with Plenary PCL Health for QEII Health Sciences Centre. (Photo courtesy of the Province of Nova Scotia)
Plenary PCL Health is set to start advanced work on the Halifax Infirmary site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The province of Nova Scotia has reached an agreement with the project group for a new, modern healthcare building that will help address urgent healthcare needs.
“PCL Construction is excited to work with the Province of Nova Scotia on this important piece of infrastructure that will ensure that state-of-the-art healthcare is available to all residents for generations to come,” said Paul Knowles, vice-president and district manager for PCL Construction in Ottawa and Atlantic Canada. “We’re looking forward to the next stages of our partnership and getting shovels in the ground to start construction in the near future.”
The agreement covers initial work that needs to be done, including site surveying, blasting preparation and construction office setup, to prepare the site for the acute care tower, which will have 216 beds, 16 operating rooms, an intensive care unit and a new emergency department.
“The Plenary PCL Health team is thrilled to reach this next step in our partnership with the Province and Nova Scotia Health. We look forward to beginning early work on the Halifax Infirmary site in the coming weeks and collaboratively advancing design development on the project,” added Brian Budden, president and CEO of Plenary Americas.
Crews will begin work to extend the current emergency department, providing flexibility for patient flow during construction. Excavation and the relocation of mechanical and electrical utilities will also be done to prepare the site for the building. Temporary parking options will be created so the Robie Street parkade can be demolished.
“We are removing obstacles to get the Infirmary site ready so that we can pour concrete as soon possible,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister responsible for healthcare redevelopment projects.
The province is investing $254 million in this phase of the project, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.
