Interior Health shortlists proponents for CMH Redevelopment in Williams Lake to three

Courtesy of the Interior Health Authority:

Interior Health has shortlisted three teams as it seeks a qualified design builder for the Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) Redevelopment Project in Williams Lake. 

“Interior Health is committed to quality patient care for residents of Williams Lake and the Cariboo-Chilcotin,” said BC Health Minister Adrian Dix. “This project is so vitally important to all patients in the entire region and I’m excited that we have reached this significant milestone in the bidding process.” 

The project includes a three-storey new addition to the hospital and renovations to parts of the current facility, as well as an inter-faith sacred space on the main floor of the new building for traditional, sacred cultural and healing practices. Through an Aboriginal stakeholder group, Williams Lake area First Nations, Métis and Urban Aboriginal groups have and will continue to provide guidance and input into the redevelopment. 

Five teams responded to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which closed on July 15, 2020. The following companies (in alphabetical order) were shortlisted based on their design and construction experience:

 Bird Design-Build Construction Inc. 

 Graham Design Builders LP 

 PCL West Coast Constructors LTD 

The three shortlisted teams are now in possession of a request for proposals (RFP); the next step on the road to the CMH Redevelopment. The RFP asks teams to prepare more detailed proposals and it is anticipated a preferred proponent will be selected in spring 2021. 

“CMH Redevelopment is a top priority for Interior Health,” Interior Health board chair Doug Cochrane. “Improving services and enhancing culturally-sensitive health care for the people of Williams Lake and the Cariboo is very important. Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to starting construction.” 

CMH Redevelopment will take place in two phases. Phase one will construct a three-storey addition while phase two will renovate the existing site. Features of the project include a new and expanded emergency department, expanded ambulatory care and maternal and women’s health units, a dedicated mental health and substance use inpatient unit, a multi-purpose gathering room and space for the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine programs. 

“I am thrilled that the procurement process is progressing toward finding a proponent for this important project,” said Bob Simpson, Chair of the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District. “The redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital is an important investment in health care for the community of Williams Lake and for the entire Cariboo region.” CMH Redevelopment is a $217.8-million renovation and expansion project that will modernize Cariboo Memorial Hospital. 

The Ministry of Health is contributing 60 per cent of the budget while the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District is funding 40 per cent.