Construction expected to begin in September 

Construction on the Bluewater Health project is on track to begin in September 2007.  Bluewater Health signed a contract with EllisDon to build and finance the expansion and renovation of the Norman Site. 

“A tremendous milestone was reached today - a milestone which paves the way for improved access to health care in Sarnia and Lambton,” said David Caplan, Minister of Infrastructure Renewal.  “The final contract is signed demonstrating that the McGuinty Government has delivered on its commitment to the community.” 

“Modernizing Ontario's hospital infrastructure is an integral part of improving our health care system,” said George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “Our investment will provide facilities that are modern, well-maintained, safe and comfortable for patients.” 

“I am very proud of Bluewater Health's major expansion and redevelopment project,” said Caroline Di Cocco, MPP for Sarnia.  “This project will not only benefit the entire community, but it also serves as an example of our government's commitment to keeping all Ontarians healthy now and well into the future.”  

>With the addition of 325,000 square feet of new space, Bluewater Health will provide for a larger, more modern facility to house an expanded emergency department and a consolidated maternal infant child program which will, for the first time, offer labour, birthing and paediatric services on one floor. The project will also provide the space for additional acute care beds. 

“We are thrilled to see that this exciting public sector redevelopment - the biggest in Sarnia - Lambton's history - is about to begin,” said Sue Denomy, Acting President and CEO of Bluewater Health. “This agreement ensures that the hospital is built to the highest standards and supports our highly trained staff and doctors in their efforts to provide quality care.” 

Infrastructure Ontario will work with Bluewater Health to redevelop the hospital, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable.  Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects -- ensuring they are built on time and on budget. 

This project is guided by principles outlined in the Province's Building a Better Tomorrow framework, which ensures public ownership of core assets such as hospitals, schools, and water and wastewater facilities.  The Bluewater Health project is one of many infrastructure projects being upgraded and modernized under ReNew Ontario, the government's five-year, $30-billion plus public infrastructure investment plan.   

Contacts:  

Amy Tang           
Minister's Office        
Public Infrastructure and Renewal   
416-325-4048 

Mandy Downes
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-327-5325   

Toni Adey  
Bluewater Health  
519-464-4452  

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