The provincial government has awarded a $40.5 million contract to Marco Group to improve and expand the Health Sciences emergency department.

Work will include the redevelopment of 2,230 square meters of current space and a new 2,690 square metre extension.

That extension will come out into the current Health Sciences parking lot, taking out about 180 staff parking spaces. However, that loss of parking will be reallocated to the new parking garage that was recently completed on-site.

The new emergency department will serve patients both at the Health Science Centre and the new mental health and addictions facility and will include numerous medical amenities.

Health Minister Tom Osborne says the design of the expanded facility is based on industry trends and best practices.

He says it has been designed to support effective, efficient, and lean workflows that support patient care.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.