About the Project
In this section you will find facts and information about the project including design features, frequent questions, and the Project Partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much will this project cost?
Plenary Health will be paid $551 million in today’s dollars to build, finance and maintain the new facility over 30 years.
A third-party value for money assessment by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP estimates the savings will be $56.7 million (8.7 percent) by using the Province’s Alternative Financing and Procurement approach.
Q: What is the timeline for completion?
Substantial completion of the physical facility is scheduled for June 2010, with final completion in August 2010. It will take three to six months from the substantial completion date for inspection, commissioning and training. It is anticipated that patient care at the facility will begin by late fall of 2010.
Q: How does the AFP partnership work?
Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) is an innovative way for the government to deliver on its commitment to maintaining and expanding public infrastructure. Infrastructure Ontario’s AFP model uses private financing to strategically rebuild vital infrastructure, on time and on budget, while ensuring appropriate public control and ownership.
This model, with its inherent private-sector efficiencies, will create an overall lower cost for taxpayers than if the government financed projects directly. This approach allows the government to bring in private-sector expertise, ingenuity and rigour to the process of managing and renewing Ontario’s public infrastructure.
Q: Why have we included the Northeast Mental Health Centre (NEMHC) into the NBRHC?
Locating a specialized mental health facility and general hospital on the same site is an exciting opportunity. Not only will it help to erase the stigma of mental illness and provide opportunities for growth for the employees of both organizations, it will also lead to increased operational efficiency.
Patients of the mental health facility will have easy access to the medical services they require and some will have an opportunity to mix with other patients, families and staff, particularly in the "village square." This interaction will help to break down misconceptions about mental illness and prepare patients for reintegration into mainstream society.
The two facilities will share many support services, including the "village square" amenities, a pharmacy, chaplaincy services, education, quality initiatives and research, environmental services, occupational health and safety, maintenance and plant operations, and food services.
Q: Are local workers and local companies involved in this project?
Yes. Currently, there are approximately 250 workers on site. This number will fluctuate during the different phases of the project. More than 26 local firms are also involved in the project. Over $80 million is expected to be spent locally on supplies during the construction phase and economic projections estimate more than $150 million will be paid in salaries. The North Bay Regional Health Centre’s project is the largest capital project in Northeastern Ontario.
Q: The NBRHC project includes LEED® certification. What does this mean?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting higher performance standards in environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
The Prerequisites and Credits are organized in the five principal LEED® categories:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
An additional category, Innovation & Design Process, addresses sustainable building expertise as well as design measures not covered under these five environmental categories.
An article from October 2004 by Pat Stephens, PR Coordinator, discusses LEED at the NBGH. To view a PDF of the article click here.
For more on LEED Certification, contact the Canada Green Building Council at www.cagbc.org