Work is underway on the much-anticipated South Edmonton Hospital, which has been years in the making, but the COVID-19 pandemic could affect the project’s bottom line.
On Thursday, Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda said crews had started work doing soil removal, tree clearing and fence installation.
“The next step will be to do further road work and placement of underground utility lines and construction of the storm water management facility,” he said.
“After that, by then we’ll have the plan finalized and we can develop the design. Then we’ll start the construction of the hospital.”
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An AHS report released in October 2016 identified the need for a new hospital in Edmonton to meet demand. It recommended a new Edmonton health campus to include inpatient beds, emergency care, rehabilitation, mental health, diagnostic and ambulatory services.
Site services work will take about 18 months; the design of the project was delayed because of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Panda, but he is firm the 2030 deadline will be met.
“I expect it to be done on time or before time,” he said.
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The provincial government has earmarked $393 million for the hospital, which will sit at Ellerslie Road and 127 Street in Edmonton’s southwest.
But Panda said there could be supply chain issues, which may impact the final price tag.
“I heard lumber prices have gone up. Steel prices have gone up. There was disruption in some of the equipment so as we get into that phase, then we will reassess the situation and update our budgets.”
“The prices go up and down,” he said.
“We might also benefit from other factors so I can’t comment on that but right now, yes there is cost pressure.”
The hospital will have between 350 and 500 beds.
Edmonton hasn’t seen a new adult hospital open in the city since the Grey Nuns Community Hospital opened its doors in 1988.
–with files from Slav Kornik