Process to hire project team for $736 million Bowmanville hospital redevelopment underway

The Bowmanville Hospital redevelopment hit another milestone Tuesday with the official tender issued to find a team to lead the estimated $736 million project, which will nearly double the size of the hospital.

The Request for Proposal process, which should be complete by early 2025, will help identify project teams that have the necessary design expertise, along with the construction and financial capacity to undertake a project of this magnitude.

Following the submission of qualifications Lakeridge Health and Infrastructure Ontario will partner to review and shortlist qualified teams.

“We’re thrilled with today’s announcement, as it signifies a crucial step forward in the long-awaited Bowmanville Hospital redevelopment project,” enthused Lakeridge Health CEO Cynthia Davis, who thanked the project partners. “Together, we’re strengthening our regional health-care system, paving the way for Lakeridge Health to achieve its vision of One System. Best Health. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to a healthier future for all in Durham Region.”

Throughout the procurement process Lakeridge Health will continue with its pre-construction activities including engagement with patients, staff, volunteers, partners, and the Durham community to gather input on the specifications for the redeveloped hospital.

The project will expand critical care services and introduce modern, patient-centred facilities including private and bariatric rooms, new ambulatory care clinics, a new emergency department and a Haemodialysis Centre. The redeveloped hospital will also include a new parking garage, additional green space and a new permanent roof-top helipad.

“We’re delighted to reach this pivotal milestone in the Bowmanville Hospital redevelopment project,” said Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees Chair Cordelia Clarke Julie, who said the request for proposal brings the team “one step closer” to providing enhanced, specialized, and accessible health-care services to meet the needs of the growing community. “This progress reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming health-care delivery and ensuring the well-being of our residents.”

The community’s share of the campaign is $110 million and fundraising is well underway, with $2,697,321 raised from donors and another $1 million-plus from investment income for the We Care We Can campaign in the fiscal year ending in April, including a $1 million donation from the Vanhaverbake family and a $250,000 pledge from Delpark Homes.

The campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s history, was launched in 2019 to raise funds for the redevelopment, expansion and equipment needs of the hospital.

The project will enhance health-care access in Clarington and across the region by adding 178 more beds and expanding critical care services to Level 3 Critical Care capacity – the highest level of care provided in hospitals for critically ill patients.

“We are thrilled as this hospital redevelopment project takes a major leap forward,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “This is what we have been waiting for, and we are overjoyed to see this project progressing. Our municipality is booming, and we need a state-of-the-art hospital to keep up with the needs of our growing population and to maintain the incredible quality of life Clarington residents enjoy.”

Ontario Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones said the investment is needed to expand capacity and build modern, state-of-the-art facilities across the province “to reduce wait times and ensure people of all ages can access fast, convenient care, close to home.”

To learn more about the Bowmanville Hospital Redevelopment project, visit the website.