CONTRACT AWARDED FOR MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Markham Stouffville Hospital and Infrastructure Ontario announced today that the hospital has signed a fixed-price contract with PCL Constructors Canada Inc., to build and finance the hospital redevelopment project. Today's announcement also signifies that all contractual steps have been completed and construction can begin immediately.

The project will allow the hospital to meet the needs of a growing population and enhance access to essential health-care services through construction of a new addition to the south and west of the existing building, on the Markham Site, that will double the size of the facility. As well, renovations will be completed on areas in the existing building that are vacated as a result of programs moving into the new wing.

When completed, the expanded hospital, which will employ an additional 875 staff and bring over 60 new physicians to the area, will include:

• a new emergency department;
• expanded ambulatory clinics;
• more inpatient beds and operating rooms;
• a new diagnostic imaging department;
• a new maternal child areas; and,
• a new mental health unit.

The Markham Stouffville Hospital project underwent an open, fair and competitive procurement process and PCL submitted the proposal which delivers the best value for Ontario taxpayers.

The building team, led by PCL Constructors and advised by TD Securities, includes financing provided by The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Laurentian Bank of Canada, Canso Investment Counsel Ltd, and Alberta Investment Management Corporation.

The contract commits PCL to build and finance the Markham Stouffville Hospital redevelopment project for $200.4 million, which will be paid by the hospital when construction is completed. The contract guarantees a fixed price and a fixed delivery date for the redevelopment of the hospital. The provincial government will fund 90 per cent of eligible construction costs. 

Infrastructure Ontario will post a copy of the Value for Money (VFM) report and the project agreement online at www.infrastructureontario.ca in the coming months.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will work with Markham Stouffville Hospital to manage the renovation and new construction at the hospital, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable.

Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to delivering some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget. As well, it is dedicated to providing the public sector and not-for-profit organizations with long-term financing to renew their infrastructure.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

Quotes:

Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure
"Today's announcement illustrates the government's commitment to building modern health-care facilities that provide Ontarians with the services they need and deserve."

Janet Beed, President and CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital
"This great accomplishment would not have been possible without the hard work of our partners at Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health, the dedication of our staff and physicians and the support of our community. Today's announcement assures our community they will have access to a state-of-the-art hospital that we expect will be built on time and on budget."

Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture and MPP for Markham-Unionville
"With the contract signed and shovels ready to hit the ground for Markham Stouffville Hospital's redevelopment, this is a great day for Markham residents.  This project follows the clear guidelines set out in our government's Building a Better Tomorrow infrastructure asset framework, ensuring the public interest is well served and delivering the best value for money.  The new hospital promises a better tomorrow for Markham and I look forward to celebrating the start of construction with everyone who has helped make this possible."

Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham
"This is a significant project that will improve access and quality of patient care and generate jobs in Oak Ridges-Markham."

Jim Dougan, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. President, Central and Eastern Region
"The Markham Stouffville Hospital project joins a legacy of healthcare projects PCL is proud to build in communities where our employees live and work.  At peak construction, we estimate approximately 300 workers on-site, of which 25 to 40 per cent will be from the Region of York."

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Backgrounder

MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL

Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) is a progressive community hospital with sites in Markham and Uxbridge. With 275 physicians and 1,700 staff, MSH serves a primary population of people who reside in the Towns of Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Uxbridge. The hospital's catchment area also draws from North Scarborough and East Durham to serve approximately 300,000 people.

The redevelopment project will allow MSH to meet the needs of a growing community and enhance access to essential health-care services. The construction of a new addition to the south and west of the existing building on the Markham Site will double the size of the existing facility. As well, renovations will be completed on areas that are vacated as a result of programs moving into the new wing.

Once complete the hospital will include:

• a new emergency department;
• expanded ambulatory clinics;
• more inpatient beds and operating rooms;
• a new diagnostic imaging department;
• a new maternal child area; and
• a new mental health unit.

Markham Stouffville Hospital aims to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^®) certification for construction of the new addition.  LEED^® standards focus on healthy indoor environments, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and efficient use of energy, water and other resources.

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For further information:

Lisa Joyce	Mandy Downes
Markham Stouffville Hospital	Infrastructure Ontario
905-472-7032	416-327-5246