The Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District board of directors will vote on a capital expenditure bylaw to authorize $318,712,000 in funding for the new patient care tower on Sept. 12.
The tower planned for the University Hospital of Northern BC is expected to cost $1.579 billion.
That budget was approved and formally announced last month.
In total, the regional district hospital board would contribute $365 million if the vote is successful.
This includes $5 million for the business plan, $41,288,000 for the early works agreement and $318,712,000 for the patient care tower.
At its Sept. 12 meeting, the board will hear the first, second and third readings and could immediately adopt the capital expenditure bylaw.
While regional hospital districts usually contribute up to 40 per cent of the total capital expenditure for projects that benefit residents within their boundaries, the contribution of $365 million, or 21 per cent of the total, came after negotiations between the board and the province.
“Regional hospital districts play a crucial role in financing capital improvements for healthcare facilities within their service areas,” states a press release. “Their primary function is to raise revenue to support various capital investment needs, including equipment, renovations and new construction."
Revenue comes from local property taxes. As well, under the Hospital District Act, regional hospital districts can borrow funds for capital investments without requiring elector approval.
The regional hospital district has been preparing for the hospital expansion and other infrastructure projects by accumulating funds over 10 years, with long-term plans developed in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024 and the plans are available to the public on the Regional District’s website.
The new 11-storey patient care tower would include a cardiac care unit, an expanded surgical unit with 12 operating rooms and increased mental health and addictions services.
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026, with completion expected in 203.
