Contract Awarded for McMaster Children's Health Centre Project

HAMILTON, ON, April 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario and Hamilton Health Sciences announced today that PCL Partnerships has signed a fixed price contract to design, build and finance the new McMaster Children's Health Centre.

The value of the contract with PCL Partnerships is $70.5 million. The contract cost covers the design and construction of the facility, as well as project financing. All contractual steps have now been completed and construction will start this spring, with completion expected by fall 2015.

The project is a significant economic opportunity for suppliers and contractors in Hamilton and surrounding communities.

The new children's centre will be constructed on Wellington Street across from Hamilton Health Sciences' Regional Rehabilitation Centre. It will be fully accessible and will include an outdoor wheeling track, a therapeutic playground and physiotherapy space. The new site will bring together a number of programs that are currently located at Hamilton Health Sciences' Chedoke site, including:

• autism spectrum disorder services
• the child and youth mental health program
• the developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation program
• prosthetics and orthotics services

The new centre will provide the space to accommodate the delivery of patient- and family-focused service and individualized programming. Together, these programs will accommodate 70,000 visits annually.

The building is uniquely designed to suit children, youth and families. It will make the best use of light, space, and texture where possible, with hallways and rooms constructed to create the greatest level of comfort and enjoyment for patients and visitors. The design is intended to create a space where children and youth will feel welcomed, engaged, and encouraged.

The McMaster Children's Health Centre project underwent an open, fair and competitive procurement process and PCL Partnerships submitted the proposal that delivered the best value for Ontario taxpayers.

The project is proceeding under Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model, which transfers the risks associated with designing, constructing, and financing the facility to the private sector.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services are working with Hamilton Health Sciences to build the new McMaster Children's Health Centre, which will remain publicly owned and controlled.

Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on budget. Over the last six years, the province has applied Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model to 83 major projects valued at approximately $38 billion, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage major commercial transactions on behalf of the province.

McMaster Children's Hospital is one of Canada's leading pediatric health care facilities and is the regional referral centre for children who are seriously ill, injured or require specialized services in south central Ontario.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca for more information.

Quotes:

Teresa Piruzza, Minister of Children and Youth Services
 "Our government is committed to providing the right care and support to children and their families. The new McMaster Children's Health Centre will be a modern facility, providing essential services. I look forward to seeing this facility take shape and the positive impact it will have for young people and their families in Hamilton."

Ted McMeekin, MPP, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale
"This is an important project for Hamilton and the entire region. It further enhances the health care services in our community and the construction of this facility will create jobs and spur economic activity."

Rob MacIsaac, President and CEO Hamilton Health Sciences
"Creating a specialized centre for children requiring these services is another example of Hamilton Health Sciences leading the way in providing innovative health care for families in this region."

Dr. Peter Fitzgerald, President McMaster Children's Hospital
"So many people have worked diligently to ensure that this centre will truly reflect the needs and aspirations of those children being served within its walls. It will be exciting to see it rise through the coming months."

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SOURCE: Infrastructure Ontario

Mandy Downes, Infrastructure Ontario, 416-327-5246; Agnes Bongers, Public Relations & Communications, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Children's Hospital, [email protected], [phone] ext. 76056, C : 905-979-0750