REGINA — Construction progress in Saskatchewan, as reported in the Monthly Construction Update, is highlighting two health infrastructure projects — the construction of the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre, and the achievement of a million worker hours at the Victoria Hospital Acute Care Tower project in Prince Albert.
Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre
The Saskatoon UCC is under construction at the former Pleasant Hill School site at 1930-20th St. W.
Working in partnership with Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments (ACD), Saskatchewan's second urgent care centre (UCC) in Saskatoon continues to show progress, according to a SaskBuilds and Procurement press release.
Recent construction activities include the completion of wall protection, millwork and flooring. Mechanical and electrical work continues along with the installation of doors, hardware, lighting fixtures and washroom accessories. Exterior work has resumed with paving and concrete work set to commence. The final coat of paint within the facility is scheduled for completion by the end of May.
The Saskatoon UCC will function as an alternative to emergency departments for minor illness, injuries and mental health and addiction supports that are non-life-threatening but require treatment before the following day.
"The continued advancement of the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre is a meaningful step forward," Saskatchewan Health Authority Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health John Ash said.
"This project reflects a shared commitment with our partners from Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments and the Government of Saskatchewan to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. By bringing multidisciplinary teams and essential services together in one location, we will enhance timely access to patient-centred care."
ACD will retain the former Pleasant Hill School building and will incorporate the well-known community landmark into its future development plans.
"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous leadership, government and experienced project partners work together toward a shared public benefit," ACD spokesperson Jay Ahenakew Funk said.
"The Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre will improve access to timely care for families while creating long-term economic and community value through Indigenous participation in health infrastructure."
The design of the Saskatoon UCC is based on the province's first UCC in Regina, which opened in July 2024. Additional locations are in planning stages for Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, North Battleford and a second facility in both Regina and Saskatoon.
"This project was made possible through the strong partnership between Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments, the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Graham and the consulting partners," Graham Construction General Manager Brad Kornum said.
"By working together with a shared sense of urgency and a commitment to that partnership, the team has been able to accelerate delivery of the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre, helping address the growing demand for mental health supports and healthcare services in our community ahead of the timeline typically associated with a project of this scale. We are proud to be part of delivering another project that will have a meaningful impact on our communities for years to come."
On-site work began in December 2024 and is expected to reach substantial completion by fall 2026, with anticipated opening day in early 2027.
The facility will be operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority under a long-term lease with ACD.
Prince Albert Victoria Hospital
A milestone was recently recorded on the expansion of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital as the project reached a million worker hours from the time construction work began to March 17, 2024.
One million worker hours is the equivalent of 114 years of work by one person working continuously, 24 hours a day, demonstrating the immense amount of work invested behind the scenes.
Workers and others involved in the project have been invited by PCL Construction Management Inc., the Design-Builder, to sign the elevator hoist beam to commemorate the accomplishment, which reflects the collective efforts behind this project's success.
"Achieving this milestone marks the scale and complexity of this project, highlighting the time and energy required to deliver on the largest Saskatchewan healthcare infrastructure project currently underway, based on dollars invested," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Sean Wilson said. "To everyone involved in this project, I commend and thank you for your efforts."
Significant progress has been made on the new acute tower structure, with work ongoing to complete external framing and cladding. Civil site works and interior construction are also advancing, with mechanical and electrical work progressing.
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
The Saskatchewan Monthly Construction Update highlights a selection of infrastructure projects underway across the province. The series provides an inside look at work in progress, the collaboration involved, and the benefits these projects deliver for Saskatchewan people and communities.
As construction season advances, several projects have reached completion including upgrades to The Battlefords Provincial Park Sewage Lagoon, as well as renovations supporting the expansion of the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
In April, the Saskatchewan Monthly Construction Update focused on two projects: the new service centre at Candle Lake Provincial Park and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum's new Research, Exhibits and Collection Facility in Regina.
