Request for proposals stage closed for Markham Stouffville Hospital project

MARKHAM, ON, Aug. 12 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario and Markham Stouffville Hospital today announced that the request for proposals (RFP) stage has closed for building teams to submit bids to build and finance the hospital expansion and redevelopment project.

Markham Stouffville Hospital's expansion and redevelopment includes 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, space in the hospital that is vacated as a result of programs moving into the new space will be renovated.

The redeveloped 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.

The construction project will provide a sizeable stimulus to the regional and Ontario economies by directly and indirectly creating and supporting hundreds of jobs. When completed, the expanded hospital will employ an additional 875 staff and bring over 60 new physicians to the area.

Over the next few months, Infrastructure Ontario and Markham Stouffville Hospital will evaluate the bidders' proposals based on criteria set out in the RFP. The successful bidder is expected to be announced in fall 2010 when the evaluation process is complete. The cost of the winning bid will be announced publicly following financial close. A start date for construction will be determined after the successful bidder is confirmed.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care are working with Markham Stouffville Hospital to redevelop the facility, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

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Quotes

Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

"Today's announcement further demonstrates the McGuinty government's commitment to this community and to ensuring that all Ontarians have access to the health care resources and infrastructure they need and deserve."

Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture and MPP for Markham-Unionville

"Not only will this project provide enormous health-care benefits for our community, but once under construction it will help create jobs and spur economic development throughout the region."

Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham

"This project is so important for our community and will allow Markham Stouffville Hospital to continue to deliver high quality care to its patients."

Janet Beed, President and CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital

"We are grateful for the continued support and commitment from the government and our community and look forward to continuing our partnership with both. We are excited to evaluate the proposals and look forward to taking another step toward breaking ground on our new facilities."

For further information: Lisa Joyce, Markham Stouffville Hospital, 905-472-7032; Mandy Downes, Infrastructure Ontario, 416-327-5246