BARRIE - Infrastructure Ontario and Royal Victoria Hospital announced today that companies have been pre-qualified to build and finance the hospital's Phase I Expansion project.

“We are pleased to see such interest from the construction industry in this project,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan. “Our government is making much-needed improvements to Ontario's infrastructure at an unprecedented rate. These improvements will be made in a way that ensures value for taxpayers' dollars as we build strong, prosperous communities.”

“This project is an essential part of our government's plan to renew hospitals and lower emergency room wait times in the local community and across the province,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, George Smitherman. “Once complete, the expanded Royal Victoria Hospital will improve access to important health services so that residents of Barrie and the surrounding communities will get the care they need, when they need it.”

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on October 25, 2007. The process identified bid teams with the development, construction and financial capacity required to undertake a project of this size and complexity.

The following companies have been pre-qualified for this project:

  • Bondfield Construction
  • Carillion Canada Inc.
  • EllisDon Corporation
  • PCL
  • Pomerleau Inc.
  • Vanbots

A Request for Proposals for the project is expected to be issued in spring of 2008.

“One more step to the completion of the Royal Victoria Hospital expansion. One more step to making health care delivery in Barrie more immediate and more accessible. All good news,” said Barrie MPP Aileen Carroll.

 

“This is an exciting time for us as we move ahead with our plans to expand Royal Victoria Hospital,” said Janice Skot, President and CEO of Royal Victoria Hospital. “This announcement means we're one step closer to bringing care closer to home for patients across our region.”

Highlights of the Royal Victoria Hospital project include:

creation of the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre;

  • 101 additional inpatient beds;
  • an expanded Emergency Department;
  • an expanded Laboratory;
  • an expanded Diagnostic Imaging Department;
  • two additional Operating Rooms; and
  • a designated Coronary Care Unit.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will work with Royal Victoria Hospital 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.

This project is guided by principles outlined in the province's Building a Better Tomorrow framework, which ensures public ownership of core assets such as hospitals, schools, and water and wastewater facilities.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

Contacts:

Amy Tang
Minister's Office
Public Infrastructure Renewal
416-325-4048

Jennifer Sclisizzi
Infrastructure Ontario
416-325-7409

Suzanne Legue
Royal Victoria Hospital
705-728-9090 extension 41600