Request For Qualifications Issued For Belleville Site Redevelopment 

BELLEVILLE - Residents of the Quinte region took another step toward improved healthcare today with the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to shortlist teams to build and finance the redevelopment of Quinte Health Care Corporation's Belleville Site.

“This marks another milestone for the Quinte region.  I'm pleased to announce that Quinte Health Care Corporation has reached another stage in its redevelopment plans,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan. “This project is one of many in the McGuinty government's five-year $30-billion infrastructure renewal plan to modernize infrastructure and ensure value for taxpayer dollars as we build strong, prosperous communities.” 

"This project is an essential part of the McGuinty government's plan to modernize hospitals, reduce wait times and upgrade medical equipment in the local community and across the province," said Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Ernie Parsons. 

"Ontario's healthcare system supports our quality of life and helps to strengthen our communities.  That is why projects like this are a priority for the McGuinty government,” said Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Leona Dombrowsky. 

“We should also remember that a strong healthcare system contributes to our prosperity - it's an increasing advantage as the province competes internationally for new jobs and investment,” said Northumberland MPP Lou Rinaldi. 

“The Belleville Site redevelopment is a great example of a community working together to make a real difference.  Everyone who's played their part should share in the credit as the project moves forward to another important stage,” said Quinte Health Care board chair Lloyd Churchill.

Once qualified project teams have been short-listed, it is anticipated they will be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) in summer 2006 with construction scheduled to begin before the end of 2006.

The Quinte Health Care Corporation RFQ was issued as part of a combined qualification process including five other infrastructure projects across the province. 

Quinte Health Care Corporation will manage this project with Infrastructure Ontario, a provincial crown corporation, under the government's Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) program - part of ReNew Ontario, a five-year infrastructure investment plan.

This project also supports the McGuinty government's plan to build a healthcare system that focuses on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and improving access to doctors and nurses.

The redeveloped facilities, like all hospitals in Ontario, will be publicly owned and publicly controlled. 

Contacts: 

Wilson Lee 
Minister's Office 
Public Infrastructure Renewal 
416-325-8735 

Neil Trotter 
Infrastructure Ontario 
416 325-7409