New health complex project progressing
Electricians install the underground duct bank for one of the two electrical power supplies to the new facility.
Workers check the elevations for the storm water collection sewer which will drain surface water to the storm water management pond.
The new health complex project continues to progress at an aggressive pace in St. Catharines.
With the site fully cleared for construction throughout the months of June and July, and the site plan officially approved by the City of St. Catharines, a significant amount of work has been completed in order to progress to the next phase of development which will include issuance of the building permit and the beginnings of the concrete structure.
“This is a very exciting milestone in the development of the building and a concrete sign that the project is on schedule and continually progressing,” says Plenary Health CEO Mike Marasco. “It won’t be long before cranes are a staple of the landscape at First Street and Fourth Avenue.”
“Upon completing a tour of the site, the most impressive aspect has been the rate of the excavation work completed by Rankin,” says NHS Chief Planning and Development Officer Gloria Kain. “It is very easy to orient yourself to the layout and even imagine where the main entrance will exist. After years of planning, I can finally visualize the building from the ground up. It’s a very exciting experience!”
The extensive site servicing work which has taken place included the creation of temporary access roads, a storm water management system, sanitary sewer system, watermains, gas and hydro utilities, as well as electrical ducts. While the site work continues, the architects and project management team have been reviewing the most recent design submission. A critical piece in the development of the building, this submission contains updated drawings and specifications for the building based on input from the clinical staff, physicians and project team.
Niagara Health is continually interested in engaging the public in the design and build process. As part of this commitment, the project architectural www.niagarahealth.on.ca Niagara Health Now | August 20, 2009 Pg 3 model will be on display in the Food Court of the Pen Centre from August 12 to August 27 and again from September 14 to October 2.
The model will also be a VIP exhibit during the Canadian Tour Championship at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club from August 31 to September 6, with a special presentation by the project team on September 1. A portion of the proceeds from the golf championship will be directed towards the Walker Family Cancer Centre as part of the It’s Our Time Campaign. For more information, go to www.stgcc.com.
Interactive public open houses will also take place in St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara-on-the-Lake this fall. These forums will provide Niagara Health an opportunity to showcase some of the exciting design elements and seek input from the public on materials and finishes to be incorporated into the main public areas of the facility.
The sessions run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with free parking:
Monday, September 21
Thorold, Location To be determined
Thursday, September 24
6th Floor Boardroom, Ontario Street Site 155 Ontario Street, St. Catharines
Wednesday, September 30
Conference Room, Niagara-on-the-Lake Site 176 Wellington, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Additional open houses will occur throughout Niagara to inform residents about this important facility which will provide new regional healthcare services in cancer, cardiac catheterization, and longer-term mental health.
