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The ground is broken!-QC hospital construction underway

by Jeff King--It's started! Construction on the long-awaited new hospital for Queen Charlotte got going under the sunniest of skies Tuesday morning, with the official ground-breaking ceremony attended by over a hundred islanders and many from off island."Today's ground breaking is an important milestone for the Queen Charlotte/Haida Gwaii Hospital replacement project," said BC Health Minister Terry Lake. "This new facility is more spacious and modern and is a great example of our continued investment in the health and well-being of families on Queen Charlotte/Haida Gwaii."Mr. Lake also said his government is committed to protecting and enhancing the health care system, while providing value for taxpayers. He noted that the $50-million project, to be finished in 2015, will create 189 direct jobs and 143 indirect jobs as it is being built.Queen Charlotte Mayor Carol Kulesha was described as the driving force for years behind the project, never taking her eye off the ball. She was beaming as she took the podium. "See the big smile," she said, "I thank you all for coming to be a witness today."Ms Kulesha described what kept her going through the years of lobbying and work."Faith, dedication and a desire to ensure a remote and isolated area such as this was going to get the best health care we could possibly have," she said."It is going to add to Haida Gwaii and make it even more attractive, if that's possible to do. The next step is to get started. Let's dig a hole," Ms Kulesha said.CHN President Peter Lantin also spoke. He underscored the importance of working together."Collaboration has always resulted in positive results on Haida Gwaii and this hospital is no different. How important it is that we do collaborate. On behalf of the CHN, welcome and howa."Stoney Stoltenberg, chair of the NW Regional Hospital District, said the project has been in the works for years."For the past five years we have concentrated on a new hospital. Here we are today. For me, it's going to be the highlight of my time on the...hospital district. We wish the people of Haida Gwaii well and hope this project serves you well for many, many years." The new hospital will feature bright, modern facilities with traditional Haida designs, expanded single-bed rooms with private washrooms and secure patio space with views of the ocean for patients and families. There will be eight acute-care beds, a labour, delivery and recovery suite, a home and community care wing with eight residential-care beds, a primary care centre, and space for diagnostic imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services.Tuesday's event confirms that a fixed-price contract was reached with the design-builder - Bouygues Building Canada and Perkins and Will - to deliver the new hospital, according to the health ministry.Information released by the province indicated that the project will focus on sustainable design and construction, with the goal of achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. In addition, the use of wood will be optimized in the construction of the hospital, including exterior and interior finishing consistent with the Wood First Act.