WAHA Redevelopment project in full swing in Ontario’s far north
Construction is now underway on a new, state-of-the-art healthcare campus in Moosonee and Moose Factory. The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment project, which officially launched last fall after the construction contract was awarded, will transform healthcare delivery for communities along the Hudson and James Bay coasts.
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Pomerleau Healthcare Partners, the winning bidder on the project, have been working with the local community and Indigenous partners to thoughtfully advance the design of the new facility over the past eighteen plus months. The P3 contract award marked the close of the development phase for IO’s first progressive DBF project, a new contract model pioneered by Ontario to get critical infrastructure built.
“This project was procured through a progressive P3 approach, which emphasizes working together collaboratively to achieve better outcomes,” said Salman Haider, Project Manager at IO. “There was a tremendous amount of effort and progress made during the development phase, and now we are seeing the results of that collaboration come to life on the ground.”
IO recently joined project and government partners in Moosonee for WAHA’s New Beginning / Oshki Kiskinowacihtawin celebration – a chance for the community to hear updates on the project and celebrate progress to date.
Healthcare closer to home
In a region where patients are often airlifted south for specialty care, the new facilities will expand WAHA’s ability to provide essential services closer to communities. “Bringing healthcare closer to home for remote northern communities in the James Bay area, the majority of whom are Indigenous, is really the cornerstone of this project,” said Salman. “But it’s also about making sure that local Cree cultural elements, especially in design, are meaningfully integrated so that these facilities can meet the needs of the communities for years to come.”
The new regional healthcare campus in Moosonee will include:
- 36-inpatient hospital beds in private rooms
- A larger 24-hour emergency department
- Modern surgical suites
- Dialysis
- Expanded mental health and addictions programming
- Improved primary health care services
- Lab/pharmacy/diagnostic imaging
- Traditional healing space
- A new 32-bed Elder Care Lodge
- A hostel for patients and visitors
- Residences for staff
A new ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island will offer emergency services, diagnostics, physiotherapy, dental care, and more.
Persevering through northern winters
Building in this remote part of Ontario requires careful planning. Moosonee is only accessible by air and rail. Helicopters, boats or ice roads are used to travel between Moosonee and Moose Factory Island at various times of the year, depending on the Moose River conditions. To simplify access to the site and limit any impact from the project on the communities, WAHA built a dedicated rail siding, which is a branch split from the main track going into a dedicated rail yard for the project. Pomerleau is also working on a temporary workers’ camp to accommodate the required skilled labour force.
Despite lengthy winters, work continues year-round through prefabrication and modular construction methods that reduce weather dependency.
Community-driven design
Engagement with Indigenous communities has been central to the project. Many community design engagements and project update meetings have taken place both in-person and virtually, and tools like 3D models and VR headsets have helped bring the vision to life.
“These sessions are about listening to the needs of the local communities, gathering feedback and building partnerships,” said Salman. “Community input ensures we get the design right, and that the facilities delivered for WAHA meet the needs of the Indigenous communities they serve.”
Supporting local jobs and skills
Local subcontractors are playing a key role on this complex project – their knowledge and skills help strengthen community ties and bring economic benefits to the region. Ongoing skilled trade sessions and hiring efforts help ensure Indigenous participation and build long-term capacity in the local workforce.
What’s next?
With the development phase complete, and the contract awarded, construction is underway and expected to be complete in 2030. As construction ramps up, the project team is continuing to finalize design elements, conduct community engagement, and focus on logistics and hiring. Stay tuned to IO’s website for updates and more information on this unique project.