The Cariboo Memorial Hospital Redevelopment project, undertaken by Interior Health, aims to modernize and expand an aging hospital in Williams Lake, BC, originally built in the 1960s. With a population of approximately 11,000, Williams Lake is also home to the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN). Graham, as Design-Builder, is collaborating closely with WLFN to provide business opportunities for its members and partners.
The redevelopment encompasses a 100,000 ft2 area, featuring a three-story addition and renovations to the existing facility, resulting in an additional 25 beds for a total of 53. This includes a new medical/surgical inpatient unit with 36 beds (a 16-bed increase), a mental health and substance-use inpatient unit with eight single-occupancy rooms, and an expanded ambulatory-care and oncology unit with 16 renovated treatment spaces.
The project introduces a new emergency department with 23 treatment spaces (a 12-space increase), two trauma-treatment bays, a seclusion room, an ambulance bay, and a separate public entrance. Additionally, the new addition will house an expanded maternity and women’s health unit with single-occupancy rooms for maternity care, nursery rooms, and two women’s health beds in private rooms.
Other enhancements include an expanded pharmacy, an interfaith sacred space for traditional cultural and healing practices, and the addition of 71 new parking stalls.
Graham initiated site works and constructed new parking areas in April 2023, and is currently erecting the building structure. The hospital aims for substantial completion of Phase 1 (expansion) by Q3 2026, with Phase 2 renovations, which will be completed under a Construction Management contract, scheduled from Q4 2026 through 2029.
Despite challenges such as pandemic-driven supply chain constraints, abnormal price escalation, remote location, and labor shortages, the project remains on target.
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION
Utilizing advanced technology for effective collaboration, the project utilizes Touchplan for Lean planning, and OpenSpace for progressive photographic records. Graham also collaborates closely with trade partners to employ construction level modeling and employs Revisto for virtual planning, coordination, and clash detection, ensuring timely decisions preventing delays and rework.
