HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government has officially finalized an agreement to move forward with the construction of a new 14-story tower at the Halifax Infirmary, with the total estimated project cost reaching $7.4 billion.

This agreement outlines a breakdown of costs, which includes $4.5 billion allocated for the actual construction of the new tower at the Halifax hospital, while an additional $2.9 billion is earmarked for the operation and maintenance of the facility over a span of 30 years.

Construction of the new tower is set to begin in May, and the facility is expected to be ready to receive its first patients by the fall of 2031.

Health Minister Michelle Thompson highlighted that this development represents the largest healthcare infrastructure project ever undertaken in Atlantic Canada. Once the tower is completed, it will significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity, adding 216 new patient beds and 16 additional operating rooms. The new facility will also include a state-of-the-art 48-bed intensive care unit (ICU) and a new emergency department that will be nearly double the size of the current emergency services offered at the hospital.

Paul Knowles, an executive from PCL Construction, mentioned that at the peak of the construction project, up to 900 workers are expected to be involved at the site. This development is not only a major step for healthcare infrastructure in the region but also promises to create a significant number of jobs during the construction phase.

The new tower will enhance healthcare services for the residents of Halifax and the surrounding areas, providing improved facilities and more space to accommodate the growing demand for medical services in the region. This project represents a vital investment in the province’s healthcare system, improving the quality of care and accessibility for patients for years to come.