News

Redevelopment 2002 is underway

Newmarket, Ontario - June 14, 2000 - Physical changes are not yet visible from Davis Drive, but York County Hospital has implemented phase one of Redevelopment 2002 - construction of a new 520-car parking lot. The first phase of this $109 million expansion project came to fruition on April 20 when site preparations began, and will continue until 2003/2004 when the new building and renovations to existing buildings are expected to be complete.

"With the project underway, we are beginning to see that so many hopes for the hospital and the community are becoming a reality," stated Daniel Carriere, president.

"The next three years will present many challenges as construction escalates, but I'm hopeful that we are prepared to meet those challenges and ensure the seamless continuation of services."

The main construction phase of Redevelopment 2002 is expected to begin in January 2001 and be complete in late 2002. It will include the construction of a six-storey building between the east and west buildings.

Rob Mayhew, director of Redevelopment, believes that several challenges and site restrictions have been successfully met through the innovative design of the new building.

"The curved shape of the six-storey building allows us to make the most effective use of space between our current buildings, and provides natural light to every patient room which is a requirement of the Ministry of Health."

The main construction phase will also include a single-storey addition to the north side of the current east building that, when complete, will include the cardiac rehabilitation gym and the new cardiovascular operating rooms.

The final stage of Redevelopment 2002 will begin in the spring of 2003 and will include the balance of the renovations to the existing buildings as well as the demolition of the hospital's oldest wings that no longer meet fire code and safety standards.

Once complete, the entire facility will be approximately 540,000 square feet and will house 417 patient beds. Extensive renovations and expansion of existing departments will allow for the further development of the hospital's regional programs in the areas of cardiac care, paediatric and perinatal care, child and adolescent eating disorders and mental health beds. In addition, the emergency department will be expanded to three times its current size in order to address overcrowding and decrease waiting times. With a yearly growth rate of 5%, Redevelopment 2002 will provide the tools necessary to meet the health care needs of our community.

Back to NEWS page