TORONTO - EllisDon has signed a contract to build and finance Public Health Ontario's new Toronto laboratory at MaRS Centre Phase 2.
The new laboratory 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 laboratory will be located within the top four floors of the new MaRS Centre tower in the heart of Toronto's Discovery District, replacing an existing facility in the west end of Toronto.
Public Health Ontario's Toronto laboratory is the largest in its provincial network. 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.
The beginning of construction will mark a milestone in Ontario's ongoing renewal of the public health laboratory system, a key recommendation of the post-SARS expert panels, increasing Ontario's scientific and technical expertise. The new facility will enable Public Health Ontario to remain at the forefront of infectious disease testing, detection and control, providing essential services to Ontarians and the health care system and responding to emerging public health threats.
EllisDon's $54 million contract with Infrastructure Ontario sets the construction phase in motion this summer, with occupancy expected in late 2014.
The selection of EllisDon is the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process that began in October 2012. The team includes financing provided by the Bank of Nova Scotia.
The project is proceeding under Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement delivery model - a public-private partnership model that transfers risks to the private sector and ensures projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Infrastructure Ontario will post a copy of the Value for Money (VFM) report and the project agreement online at www.infrastructureontario.ca.
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 83 major projects valued at approximately $38 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. Public Health Ontario 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.
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“Today's announcement illustrates the government's commitment to investing in modern health care. This project 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 part of a long-standing plan and commitment of resources to the renewal of public health in Ontario. Locating at MaRS strengthens PHO's connection to the academic, clinical and research sectors. The new technologies deployed at our Toronto laboratories will allow us to support health care providers in improving patient care and to monitor, detect and manage public health issues.
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