Premier Jason Kenney announces the completion of construction of the new Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.
Once operational, the 63,272-square metre hospital will have 240 patient beds and provide a wide range of health-care services, including surgery, cancer care and emergency services.
The hospital will have a state-of-the-art cancer centre that will include two new radiation treatment areas and a health-care training facility in partnership with Grande Prairie Regional College.
Work at the site will now shift focus to address minor deficiencies and the start of commissioning activities at the hospital.
“This milestone is a significant one for the people of Grande Prairie who have been waiting for years for this facility. The completion of construction means that AHS can get to work getting the hospital ready to serve the community. Once operational, this new hospital will ensure that Albertans across our province continue to have access to world-class health care."
“When we hand over the hospital to Alberta Health Services on July 1, we will have completed construction of the newest and most technologically advanced hospital in Alberta. Needed public infrastructure projects like this are an integral part of Alberta’s economic recovery and keeping Albertans working.”
“This is fantastic news for people in and around Grande Prairie. We’re a big step closer to opening a new, modern hospital that will continue to provide high quality, publicly funded care to those who need it. There’s still a lot of hard work ahead for AHS to commission the hospital but I’m looking forward to celebrating the grand opening with the people of Grande Prairie next year.”
“We are proud the new hospital will provide a wide range of health-care services in a modern setting with the latest technology. We know that once it opens next year, this facility will immediately become an important fixture in the community and surrounding area, and we are excited to be part of that.”
Due to the dedication and commitment of the on-site workers, construction was completed about three months ahead of Clark Builders’ initial construction schedule.
Once AHS takes possession of the building, they will need time to clean, commission and train staff prior to opening in order to provide safe and quality care. It is hoped this process is complete by the end of summer 2021. Timelines for commissioning activities could be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last summer, at the peak of construction, more than 400 trades and construction workers were on site daily.
Needed infrastructure projects in health care, schools, transportation and many other areas are an important investment in the long-term future of Albertans and contribute to their quality of life.
Albertans are invited to provide input to help develop the Alberta Infrastructure Act, as well as government’s 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan.
People can visit alberta.ca until Aug. 10 to share their feedback. Responses from the online survey will assist government in developing the Alberta Infrastructure Act, which will outline how government will plan for and prioritize capital spending, and the 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan, which will impact the development of needed public infrastructure, such as schools, universities, colleges roads and bridges.