The Williams Government is moving forward with the construction of a new regional healthcare facility in Labrador West with the award of the tender for the installation of foundations and structural steel.

"A new healthcare facility for the Labrador West region is a priority for our government and when I met with residents of Labrador City this past November I reiterated our steadfast commitment to moving construction forward in a timely manner," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. "Once complete this new complex will offer state-of-the-art health care services to the entire Labrador West region."

The $4.6 million tender for the installation of foundations and structural steel has been awarded to the lowest bidder, Pomerleau Inc. and work is expected to begin in spring 2010. The new two-story hospital will be located on Route 500, on the western edge of Labrador City, and will be adjacent to the new College of the North Atlantic Campus that is also currently under construction.

"Our government is committed to seeing the new Labrador West hospital completed as soon as possible and is following an aggressive construction schedule to meet that goal," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. "We are continuing with our strategy of awarding contracts early so as to allow contractors to make the most of the construction season."

Site preparation for the new healthcare facility has been underway since September 2007. Site clearing, grading and construction of access roads were completed last fall. Water and sewer services are being extended to the site from the Town of Labrador City.

"This is good news for the people of Labrador West," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "The resulting construction will bring significant economic stimulus for the area. The construction of a new health care facility for Labrador West is an important piece of infrastructure, supported through the Northern Strategic Plan, which is continuing to improve the lives of Labradorians."

"I am extremely happy to see this project moving into this major phase of construction," said Labrador West MHA Jim Baker. "Our government's investments in Labrador West over the past several years have been unprecedented and moving forward on construction of the new healthcare facility is yet another example of our commitment to the people of my district. This new facility has been a priority for me and will certainly provide direct health benefits to the residents."

This project is part of the Provincial Government's overall infrastructure strategy that is currently valued at more than $4 billion over the next several years.

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