New Milestone Reached in Construction of Cowichan District Hospital
The Cowichan District Hospital in the Cowichan Valley is reaching new heights as construction on the new facility progresses. The diagnostic and treatment center on site has reached structural completion, marking a significant milestone in the project.
The new hospital will feature outpatient and diagnostic-care services, including an emergency department, medical imaging, ambulatory care, a pharmacy, and cafeteria. It will also be linked to an inpatient tower through a community hall.
Construction of the 204-bed hospital is on track for completion in 2026, with an expected opening to patients in 2027. This new facility will be the first fully electric hospital in British Columbia and is being built to LEED Gold standards, with an 80% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions compared to the current hospital.
The hospital will be significantly larger than the current facility, with increased capacity in the emergency department, operating rooms, and surgical procedure rooms. It will also feature culturally safe spaces to accommodate traditional healing practices and Indigenous health services.
Funding for the project, totaling nearly $1.5 billion, has been provided by the Province through partnerships with Island Health, Cowichan Valley Regional Hospital District, and Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. The construction is being managed by the Nuts’a’maat Alliance, a team comprised of participants from various organizations.
The new Cowichan District Hospital is set to provide state-of-the-art medical services in a modern and sustainable facility, ensuring the community has access to quality healthcare for years to come.