Bird Construction to build Markdale Hospital
The Ontario government has awarded the contract for construction of the Grey Bruce Health Services Markdale Hospital to Bird Construction, and work on the project is expected to begin immediately.
Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) revealed the news on February 26. The scope of work sees the contractor build a 68,000-square foot facility on Toronto Street South.
“This is the news we have been waiting for, and we are extremely pleased to begin construction of a brand new, state-of-the art hospital in Markdale,” said GBHS president and CEO Gary Sims. “This announcement solidifies the future of excellent health care in the Centre Grey area.”
The new hospital will provide more services in a modern and spacious environment for patients and families in Markdale and neighbouring regions, including:
- a modern, 24/7 emergency department with four exam and treatment areas that will provide improved space for staff and patients;
- four short-stay beds better adapted to new non-surgical procedures and one palliative care bed, that will replace traditional inpatient beds;
- a bigger space to double outpatient care and expanded procedural services including minor procedures;
- access to clinical laboratory and diagnostic imaging services, ambulatory clinics, space for visiting specialists and inter-professional teams, and expanded telemedicine services; and
- an ambulance bay for two ambulances.
Once complete, the new state-of-the-art hospital will replace the existing aged facility, expand capacity and improve access to high-quality care for patients and families in Grey County and neighbouring areas.
“We are honoured to have been selected to build the new Markdale Hospital,” said Bird Construction president and CEO Teri McKibbon. “Bird Construction has been building important infrastructure in communities across Canada for over 100 years, including a sizeable resume of healthcare related facilities. We look forward to successfully delivering this project and contributing to the future of healthcare in Grey Highlands and surrounding areas.”
In addition to awarding the construction contract, the province also announced that it will contribute a further $53 million to development of the project. The funding is in addition to the $3 million the province previously invested to support the facility’s planning and design.
"It is so important to ensure all Ontarians have the best quality health care as close to home as possible," said Premier Doug Ford. "That's why our government is making monumental investments like this in Markdale. By building new modern hospitals, we will ensure people get a high level of care whether they are in big cities or our small and rural communities."
The new Markdale Hospital will provide health care closer to home for patients and families in the municipalities of Grey Highlands, Southgate, Chatsworth, West Grey and Melancthon.
"Investing in rural hospitals like the new Markdale Hospital is a critical part of our government's plan to build a modern and connected public health care system and end hallway health care across the province," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "This investment will help ensure the people of Markdale and neighbouring areas have access to the modern facilities and high-quality services when they need it."
Construction of the new hospital is expected to begin in March 2021 and the hospital should be able to open its doors in 2023.