Local Economic Spinoffs - Salaries and Supplies - to Exceed $83 Million

TORONTO -The Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, joined Mark Rochon, President and CEO of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (Toronto Rehab), board members, staff, patients and volunteers today to celebrate the official start of construction of Toronto Rehab's University Centre redevelopment project. It is one of the largest ever infrastructure investments in a rehabilitation hospital in Ontario. 

At the peak of construction - expected to be completed in fall 2011 - more than 300 workers will be on site daily. Over the course of construction, approximately $39.7 million will be paid in construction salaries and $44 million worth of materials will be purchased locally.

With the demolition of Toronto Rehab's four-storey south wing this summer and site excavation and preparation now nearly complete, work on this exciting expansion and renovation is getting underway.

The redevelopment will provide facilities designed specifically for adults undergoing rehabilitation for serious injury and illness. The project will also accommodate Toronto Rehab's new iDAPT (Intelligent Design for Adaptation, Participation and Technology) research facility - one of the world's most advanced rehabilitation facilities.

Highlights of the University Centre expansion and renovation project include:

  • construction of a new 13-storey patient care and research tower
  • renovations to the existing 12-storey east wing and four-storey north wing
  • a new, more accessible entrance for patients and visitors

When complete, the total investment into rehabilitation care and research at University Centre is expected to exceed $180 million. This includes the construction contract as well as costs associated with equipment, furniture, permits, architectural and engineering fees and costs associated with the demolition of the old wing. 

“It's exciting to see the renewal of another Ontario hospital, especially one offering such specialized and crucial services,” said the Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “When completed, this redeveloped hospital will offer patients improved access to enhanced rehabilitative care. Our government is proud to be part of Toronto Rehab's success.” 

“The redevelopment of University Centre will greatly enhance our ability to push the frontiers of rehabilitation science even further in order to make real and very significant differences in the lives of the 4.4 million Canadians with disabilities,” said Mark Rochon, President and CEO of Toronto Rehab. 

The project team, led by Aecon, includes financing arranged by Stonebridge Financial Corporation. Aecon signed a contract with the hospital to build and finance the redevelopment project for $112.1 million. The contract guarantees a fixed price and fixed completion date.  

Infrastructure Ontario is working with Toronto Rehab and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to redevelop the hospital, 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. 

Contacts: 

Jessica Hooker  
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-327-5325 

Angela Baker 
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute 
416-597-3422, ext. 3837 

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