New hospital tower design keeps parking close for patients

“It’s very exciting news,” Marr said. “We shared this week a design for the new tower that’s going to start construction early next year, in 2027.”

The tower will connect with the rest of the hospital instead of being separate from it.

“What’s really exciting about this design is that it integrates with the rest of the campus of care,” Marr said. “It makes it easier for patients and staff to get back and forth, and also for supplies and materials to get back and forth.”Part of the connection will go over Edmonton Street. Marr said a causeway or overpass will link the buildings, and the road below will stay open.e.

“The final design will keep Edmonton Street open,” he said. “That’s an important thoroughfare for patients, families, visitors, ambulances and staff.”

Parking was also a key focus. The former Northern Interior Health Unit site will become a parking area, and Marr said the design keeps parking spots close to where patients need them.

“This hospital isn’t just for Prince George, it’s for the entire region,” Marr said. “One of the early works was the parkade, where we opened up more than 400 stalls. This design keeps parking close to the main entrance, so there’ll be plenty for patients, families, visitors and staff.”

Before major construction starts, staff will move from the old health unit to Parkwood. After that, the health unit building will be closed down.

“Decommissioning will take place this year, and it’ll be done before Christmas,” Marr said. He said fencing will go up soon and crews will be on site doing that early work.

Marr said the design comes from months of teamwork.

“Literally hundreds of people have been contributing to this effort over the last several months,” he said, pointing to community members, staff, technical experts and traffic consultants.

Northern Health says the tower now looks different from earlier designs. The first drawings were just ideas made during the early planning stages. As the project moved forward, the team looked at clinical needs, hospital operations, and technical details to choose the final design.

The organization says the tower will still offer the same services and number of beds as before. The only change is its location on campus.

Chief project officer Albert Sommerfeld said this change is a normal part of planning, since big projects often change as new information comes in.

Northern Health says the project is still on schedule and will keep working to improve access to care across Northern B.C. More details will be shared as planning continues.

Construction of the Acute Care Tower is expected to start in early 2027.

by Dave Branco

New hospital tower design keeps parking close for patients

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