Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam signing ceremony for the future regional healthcare campus in Moosonee.
During the ceremony, guests added their signatures to one of the final structural beams before it is lifted into place.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the leadership, collaboration, and expertise that have guided this project from the beginning,” said Martin Jacques, Chief Operating Officer – Buildings, Pomerleau. “It reflects the collective efforts of WAHA and all our project partners working together towards a shared vision for the future of healthcare across the western James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts.
“It is an honour for Pomerleau to lead construction on a project of this significance and work alongside so many dedicated partners in helping bring that vision to life.”
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, vinyl strips travelled to communities across the region, giving people the opportunity to add their names, messages, and well wishes. The strips were then returned to Moosonee and wrapped around the beam so those signatures could be included in today’s celebration and become part of the future healthcare campus.
Last week’s ceremony recognized the skilled tradespeople, contractors, and project teams whose work continues to move construction forward safely. It also recognized the communities WAHA serves, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, Infrastructure Ontario, Pomerleau and many other partners whose years of collaboration are helping bring more healthcare services closer to home.
“Every signature on this beam represents a person, a family and a community that has been part of this journey. When the beam is lifted into place, those signatures will become part of the new hospital and a lasting reminder that these new healthcare facilities are being built with our communities, for our communities,” said Lynne Innes, President and CEO, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority.
Designed with input from Cree communities across the region and the Town of Moosonee, the new facilities will provide modern, culturally welcoming spaces for patients, families and staff and create opportunities to provide more healthcare services closer to home.
The WAHA Redevelopment Project is the largest healthcare infrastructure project ever undertaken in the western James Bay and Hudson Bay region.
The project includes:
- a new 36-bed regional hospital in Moosonee;
- a 32-bed Long-Term Elder Care Lodge;
- staff accommodations;
- a patient and visitor hostel; and
- a new ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island.
Currently, construction activities are moving ahead on the structural components of the campus and the exterior sections of the future hospital.
When complete, the new facilities will provide the space needed to expand healthcare services in the region, helping more patients and families receive care closer to home.
Members of the public are welcome to sign the virtual beam and add their well-wishes for the future of the WAHA Redevelopment Project as it moves nearer to completion.
“This is one of the largest health infrastructure projects ever in Northern Ontario, and bringing a project of this scale and complexity to life requires strong partnerships, shared commitment, and true collaboration at every stage,” said Angela Clayton, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario. “Infrastructure Ontario is proud to be part of this important project and remains committed to delivering a truly unique and transformative health campus for Northern Ontario.”
