WORK is underway to prepare the Burnaby Hospital campus for construction, as the Cascade building is currently in the process of being taken down to clear a path for redevelopment to begin at the site. The building’s removal is expected to be completed in March, and will make way for phase one redevelopment activity/construction staging as well as the proposed future phase two patient tower and cancer centre.
“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,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, on Monday. “This new, modernized health care campus will increase access to health care services for people in Burnaby for decades to come.”
Phase one of the redevelopment includes the new Keith and Betty Beedie Pavilion, expansion of the Support Facilities Building to include a new energy centre, and renovations to existing buildings on campus.
Once complete, phase 1 will provide improved access to emergency, surgery, maternity, and mental health and substance use services. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 and completed in 2026.
“As a long time resident of Burnaby, this redevelopment project is a much needed revitalization that many have been waiting for. This is a big milestone for our community,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake.
“Burnaby Hospital is a vital resource for people in our community. I’m proud to see that we are nearing redevelopment so our healthcare workers can continue providing the best care to all community members,” Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds.
“People in Burnaby deserve access to strong public healthcare. Taking steps towards the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital is one of the ways we are building a more resilient community,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed.
“Healthcare 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,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North.
“This is an exciting time for Burnaby residents,” said Burnaby 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.”
“I’m excited to mark this pivotal next step forward for a new, state-of-the-art health care campus that by design will be patient-centred. Throughout the pandemic and with historical challenges such as Burnaby Hospital fire, our teams have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and care for our patients, families and communities. I am pleased that the new health care campus will support our staff, medical staff, trainees and volunteers to deliver exceptional care experiences,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, President and CEO, Fraser Health.
Drawing on learnings from COVID-19, the hospital redevelopment will also be designed with enhanced features in place to respond to future pandemics, including outbreak control zones, vestibules for putting on and taking off personal protective equipment, and airborne isolation rooms.
With funding from the Province and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, phase one of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment will cost approximately $612 million.
“The community came together to build our hospital nearly 70 years ago. Now, after a year of setbacks, including the Cascade building fire last November, we are thrilled to be one step closer in seeing Burnaby Hospital’s Bright Future. This small step is the first of many and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Kristy James, Chief Executive Officer, Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
For more information, visit fraserhealth.ca/bhredevelopment.