Construction is expected to begin in October 2007
AJAX - The Rouge Valley Health System and Infrastructure Ontario have selected Aecon Buildings to build and finance the Ajax and Pickering Hospital Phase I Redevelopment Project.
“We're very pleased that a building team has been selected, paving the way for construction to begin,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan. “This project demonstrates that our government is fulfilling its commitment to modernizing Ontario hospitals and stimulating economic growth.”
“Selecting a team and beginning final negotiations with them shows our government's commitment to modernize and expand health care infrastructure to improve access to quality health care,” said Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, George Smitherman.
The team, led by Aecon Buildings, includes financing arranged by Stonebridge Financial Corporation.
With the addition of more than 75,000 square feet of new construction and more than 65,000 square feet of renovations, the hospital will be able to provide more effective health services to Durham Region's expanding population. As well, it will be able to deliver more effective family-centred care for a broad range of health conditions.
“The McGuinty government is dedicated to improving services and providing the facilities and health care we all need,” said Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge MPP Wayne Arthurs. “Not only is this project great news for improved health care in our region, but it also brings economic opportunity and jobs to our community.”
“Our staff, physicians, volunteers and the community have been incredibly supportive of this project,” said Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Rouge Valley Health System Rik Ganderton. “Durham region residents will benefit from improved access to care, state-of-the-art facilities and an improved environment for our future health care professionals and scientists. We're all looking forward to getting construction underway.”
Infrastructure Ontario will work with the Rouge Valley Health System to redevelop the Ajax and Pickering hospital, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the Province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget.
This project is guided by principles outlined in the Province's Building a Better Tomorrow framework, which ensures public ownership of core assets such as hospitals, schools, and water and wastewater facilities. The Rouge Valley Health System project is one of many infrastructure projects being upgraded and modernized under ReNew Ontario, the government's five-year, $30-billion plus public infrastructure investment plan.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.
Contacts:
Amy Tang
Minister's Office
Public Infrastructure Renewal
416-325-4048
Terence Foran
Infrastructure Ontario
416-325-2939
David Brazeau
Rouge Valley Health System
416-284-8131, Ext. 4010