TORONTO - Infrastructure Ontario and Public Health Ontario have released a request for proposals to the five companies shortlisted to build and finance Public Health Ontario's new Toronto public health laboratory at MaRS Centre Phase 2. 

A request for qualifications issued in October 2012 shortlisted the top five companies with the construction and financing abilities to deliver the project.  The shortlisted companies invited to bid are: 

  • Brookfield Multiplex 
  • EllisDon Corporation 
  • PCL Constructors Canada Inc. 
  • Turner Construction Company 
  • Walsh Construction Canada ULC

The new lab will provide more flexible space to meet current and emerging clinical and public health needs and will be able to adapt to new functions and testing technologies.  The lab will be located within the top four floors of the new MaRS Centre tower in heart of Toronto's Discovery District, replacing an existing facility in the west end of Toronto. 

Public Health Ontario's Toronto public health laboratory is the largest of in its network of 11 provincial public health laboratories. It is projected to conduct 2.8 million tests annually when it opens in 2014. The facility will be designed, constructed, commissioned, and certified to meet the standards and guidelines established by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as well as Ontario Laboratory Accreditation standards.  

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 79 major projects valued at approximately $30 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. 

Public Health Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. As a hub organization, it links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world. For more information, please visit Public Health Ontario's website at www.oahpp.ca. 

Quote: 

“Our government continues to make significant investments in the redevelopment of health care infrastructure. This first-class laboratory within the MaRS Centre will help Public Health Ontario continue their important work supporting the health of Ontarians.” 
Glen Murray, Minister of Infrastructure 

“The construction of our new Toronto laboratory is a milestone in the renewal of Ontario's public health laboratory infrastructure. It will allow Public Health Ontario to remain at the forefront of infectious disease testing, detection and control, as PHO continues to provide essential services to Ontarians and the health care system and responds to emerging public health threats. Its location at MaRS strengthens our links to academic, healthcare and private sector partners. We thank all of our partners in this exciting venture.”  
Dr. Vivek Goel, President and CEO, Public Health Ontario

Contacts: 

Jennifer Asals 
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-326-9357 

Nicole Helsberg
Public Health Ontario 
647-260-7247