Negotiations continue on contract for Halifax Infirmary redevelopment

Health Minister Michelle Thompson will not predict when a contract will be signed for the redevelopment of the Halifax Infirmary.

The goal of the Tory government was to have an agreement in place with Plenary PCL Health by the summer, but that time has come and gone. In an interview last week, Thompson said negotiations with the consortium will take the time they require.

"I can't really tie myself to a date, but we have urgency around it," she said at Province House.

"We want to get it done as soon as possible, and I have faith in the negotiation group that's working on our behalf."

Thompson said the government would share details, including costs, as soon as talks are complete.

"We'll be as transparent as we can with it."

Premier Tim Houston announced plans in late 2022 for a new approach to the project, first announced by the former Liberal government. The project would be broken into phases, which would allow each phase to open as it is completed.

Phase 1 includes 216 acute care beds, 16 operating rooms, an intensive care unit and a new, larger emergency department. Construction is expected to take five years once it begins. Preparation work at the site, which includes the removal of the parking garage on Robie Street, has started.

Although work to prepare the site for Phase 1 was a year late beginning, Thompson said it is now progressing as scheduled and is on budget. The minister said she is not concerned about the so-called enabling work wrapping up before a contract for the design and construction of Phase 1 is completed, which would create a lull in activity.

With the parking garage no longer an option, the health authority acquired space on the Garrison Grounds at Citadel Hill for a temporary staff parking lot.

Thompson said she knows that's been a change and a challenge for staff but she lauded their patience. Because that area is booked by Parks Canada at certain times this fall for events, Thompson said a shuttle service is also being used to get hospital staff back and forth to the parking garage at Scotia Square in downtown Halifax.

The minister said she expects parking to be revisited throughout the construction project at the Infirmary.

"Really what I think that shows is creativity and people really wanting to accommodate staff the very best they can to make it as seamless as possible, given that that is going to be an active construction site potentially for quite a long time."