Burns Lake, BC – Work is well underway on the replacement for the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre in Burns Lake…

When complete, the $55-million dollar facility will include 16 beds: 13 acute care, one isolation room, one palliative care bed, and one labour/delivery/recovery.  As well as emergency services, diagnostic imaging, a laboratory, pharmacy, and provisions for public health; mental health and addictions; home and community care services. (CEI Architecture drawing courtesy NH)

Northern Health Project Director, Paul Rudecki, says April's groundbreaking ceremony was followed by the first excavator arriving on-site in June, operated by a Burns Lake resident.  The first concrete pour occurred in July, the final one in November.

Rudecki says of the 40-member crew hired by PCL Westcoast Constructors Inc, more than 80-percent are from northern BC – 22 from Burns Lake, and 2 from Fraser Lake.  "Local businesses have also seen benefits from subcontractors from outside of the region utilizing local accomodation, eateries and services."

Currently, he says, crews are working on the roof and inside of the facility.  The goal is to have the exterior walls and roofing completed early in the new year.

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