Work to remove the Cascade building at Burnaby Hospital for phase one of a huge redevelopment has begun.
In a press release, Fraser Health says the building is being removed to clear a path for redevelopment to start at the site. The health authority expects the work to be finished in March of this year.
Once finished, redevelopment activity/construction staging begins on the phase two patient tower, as well as a cancer centre.
The first phase includes the new Keith and Betty Beedie Pavilion and an expansion of the support facilities building to include a new energy centre, plus renovations to existing buildings.
“As part of our commitment to build and expand health-care services, I’m pleased to mark this important step forward in phase one of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment,” B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix said in the release.
"This new, modernized health care campus will increase access to health care services for people in Burnaby for decades to come.”
Fraser Health says phase one will provide better access to emergency, surgery, maternity and mental health and substance use services. Work is expected to start early in 2022 and be completed in 2026.
The first phase currently has a price tag of $612 million, with funding coming from the province as well as the Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
“Health-care workers and people in the community will soon have access to an up-to-date hospital. I’m thrilled to see the work beginning, and know just how important this project is to everyone as we build Burnaby back stronger,” MLA for Burnaby North Janet Rouledge added in the release.
“This is an exciting time for Burnaby residents,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “For years, the exceptional staff at the Burnaby Hospital have provided top-of-the-line care to our community. The Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project will ensure health care staff can continue to provide excellent care for our growing community.”
Fraser Health says the hospital will also be designed with enhanced features to respond to future pandemics, using notes from COVID-19.
Outbreak control zones, vestibules for putting on and taking off PPE and airborne isolation rooms will be included.
