Main construction phase of Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project begins

The Province of Nova Scotia announced today that it has signed an agreement with Plenary PCL Health (PPH) for the construction of the main portion of the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project.

“This is an exciting milestone for the future of healthcare in our province. This is the largest healthcare infrastructure project ever undertaken in Atlantic Canada,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Michelle Thompson. “It will ensure generations of Nova Scotians get the cutting-edge care they deserve, provide a modern workplace for the dedicated staff at the QEII, and help us attract and hire the healthcare staff we need.”

“We are proud to have reached this milestone on the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project, which will expand and modernize this healthcare facility and improve patient care. We’d like to thank our provincial partners for their dedication to this project, and we look forward to delivering a contemporary, welcoming space for patients, health professionals and visitors,” said Brian Budden, President & CEO of Plenary Americas.

The project centres on the construction of a 14-floor acute care tower, which includes 216 beds, 16 operating rooms, a 48-bed intensive care unit, and an emergency department that is nearly twice the size of the current one. The new tower will also have state-of-the-art equipment, a satellite diagnostic imaging department in the emergency department, new and upgraded lab spaces, and additional treatment spaces.

Enabling works on the site began in Spring 2024, and construction on the main phase will ramp up this spring as cranes are installed and work on the foundations commence. The tower is expected to reach substantial completion in Fall 2030.

Members of the PPH consortium include:

• Developer and Equity Investor: Plenary Americas
• Developer and Equity Investor: PCL Investments Inc.
• Design-Builder: PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
• Architects: Arcadis / B+H Architects
• Facilities Manager: Johnson Controls
• Mechanical & Electrical Consultants: Smith + Andersen
• Electrical Contractor: Univex
• Mechanical Contractor: Modern Niagara