$336M Cariboo Memorial redevelopment work begins
The project is being built by Graham through a design-build contract.
A rendering shows the redevelopment design. – Province of B.C.
Key Takeaways:
- Work will happen in two phases. The first will wrap in 2026 and the second in 2029.
- The project’s estimated budget is $336.5 million.
- The redevelopment plan includes a three-storey addition and extensive renovations to the existing facility.
The Whole Story:
The Cariboo-Chilcotin region is set to witness a major boost in healthcare services as the long-awaited redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital enters its construction phase. The upgraded facility aims to improve access to care for residents of Williams Lake and the surrounding area, including the First Nations communities of the Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot’in, and Dãkelh Dené.
With an estimated project budget of $366.5 million, the redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital marks a significant investment in the health and well-being of the Cariboo-Chilcotin communities. The initiative, a collaborative effort involving the province, Interior Health, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, was officially celebrated this month.
Health Minister Minister Dix expressed his excitement about the commencement of construction, emphasizing the project’s potential to enhance the hospital’s capacity and create a modern working environment.
“The redevelopment of the Cariboo Memorial Hospital represents a significant investment in the Cariboo-Chilcotin communities’ health and well-being, now and into the future,” said Dix. “That is why it is so exciting to be with the community today to celebrate the start of construction that will increase the hospital’s capacity and provide a modern working environment.”
The redevelopment plan includes a three-storey addition and extensive renovations to the existing facility. The hospital’s bed capacity will see a substantial increase, with the addition of 25 new beds, bringing the total to 53. Among the enhancements are a new medical/surgical inpatient unit with 36 beds, a mental-health and substance-use inpatient unit featuring eight single-occupancy rooms, a patient-seclusion room, and an expanded ambulatory-care and oncology unit with 16 renovated treatment spaces.
One of the most crucial components of the project is the establishment of a new emergency department, which will feature 23 treatment spaces, two trauma-treatment bays, a seclusion room, an ambulance carport, and a separate public entrance. Furthermore, the expansion will include an upgraded maternity and women’s health unit with four single-occupancy rooms for maternity care, two nursery rooms, and two women’s health beds in private rooms, allowing parents to stay with their newborns until they are ready to go home.
Apart from the enhanced clinical areas, the redevelopment plan incorporates several ancillary facilities. The pharmacy will undergo expansion, providing additional space for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The addition of an interfaith sacred space will enable traditional cultural and healing practices, while the provision of 71 new parking stalls aims to alleviate parking constraints.
The importance of improved healthcare accessibility in rural and remote regions was highlighted by Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health.
“Our government is taking action to help people who are facing challenges accessing care in rural and remote areas,” said Rice. “This fully redeveloped hospital will provide expanded access to a state-of-the-art facility for people in Cariboo-Chilcotin to help them get the services they need.”
The construction of Cariboo Memorial Hospital will occur in two phases. The first phase, including the three-storey addition, is expected to conclude in 2026. Subsequently, Phase 2 will commence, encompassing further renovations, and is slated for completion in 2029.
Susan Brown, President and CEO of Interior Health, expressed her appreciation for the involvement of First Nations partners in the design process. “Beginning construction on the redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital is a significant milestone. I know the people of Williams Lake and surrounding communities are looking
