TORONTO - Infrastructure Ontario has closed the request for proposals stage for shortlisted companies to submit bids to build and finance Public Health Ontario's new Toronto public health laboratory at MaRS Centre Phase 2.

The results of a request for qualifications issued in October 2012 shortlisted five companies with the construction and financing abilities to deliver the project. The shortlisted companies that were invited to bid are:  

  • Brookfield Multiplex 
  • EllisDon Corporation 
  • PCL Constructors Canada Inc. 
  • Turner Construction Company 
  • Walsh Construction Canada ULC

The winning bidder will be responsible for building and financing the new Toronto public health laboratory. The lab will provide more flexible space to meet current and emerging clinical and public health needs and will be able to adapt to new functions and testing technologies. The laboratory will be located within the top four floors of the new MaRS Centre tower in the heart of Toronto's Discovery District, replacing an existing facility in the west end of Toronto. 

Public Health Ontario's Toronto public health laboratory is the largest in its network of 11 provincial public health laboratories. It is projected to conduct 2.8 million tests annually when it opens in 2014. The facility will be designed, constructed, commissioned, and certified to meet the standards and guidelines established by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as well as Ontario Laboratory Accreditation standards.

Over the coming weeks, Infrastructure Ontario and Public Health Ontario will evaluate proposals and select a winning bidder. The successful company will be announced by early summer. The contract value will be announced following financial close, after which construction of the new laboratory is expected to start. 

The project is proceeding under Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement delivery model - a public-private partnership model that transfers risks to the private sector and ensures projects are delivered on time and on budget. 

Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on budget. Over the last six years, the province has applied Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model to 83 major projects valued at approximately $38 billion, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage major commercial transactions on behalf of the province. 

Public Health Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. Public Health Ontario links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world. For more information, please visit Public Health Ontario's website at www.oahpp.ca. 

Quote: 

“I'm pleased to see this project take another step forward.  This investment in the redevelopment of health care infrastructure will help Public Health Ontario continue their important work supporting the health of Ontarians.” 
Glen Murray, Minister of Infrastructure 

“The construction of our new Toronto laboratory is a milestone in the renewal of Ontario's public health laboratory infrastructure. It will allow Public Health Ontario to remain at the forefront of infectious disease testing, detection and control, as PHO continues to provide essential services to Ontarians and the health care system and responds to emerging public health threats. Its location at MaRS strengthens our links to academic, healthcare and private sector partners. We thank all of our partners in this exciting venture.”  
Dr. Vivek Goel, President and CEO, Public Health Ontario

Contacts: 

Jennifer Asals
Infrastructure Ontario
416-326-9357 

Nicole Helsberg
Public Health Ontario
647-260-7247