Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How was Plenary Health Niagara chosen as the successful bidder?
A request for qualifications (RFQ) was issued by the NHS on November 14, 2006. Companies were short-listed based on their capacity to undertake projects of this size and complexity.
On August 31, 2007, a request for proposals (RFP) was issued to the pre-qualified companies. Three bids were received on May 13, 2008. Plenary Health was evaluated as the highest ranking bidder.
Infrastructure Ontario, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Niagara Health System, selected Plenary Health based on predetermined criteria, including construction schedule, technical requirements and price. An independent, third-party fairness advisor oversaw the RFP procurement process.
Q: Are local workers and local companies involved in this project?
Yes. The use of local sub-contractors is important for a project of this size. The constructor for the new facility, PCL, has agreements in place with its subcontractors to source its workforce from these local unions. Should the demand for workers exceed the available supply in the Niagara region, PCL will look to unions in neighbouring regions. Firm commitments for portions of the work have already been made during the proposal stage of the project; the remainder of tendering activity from pre-qualified sub-contractors will take place in early 2010.
The project will support the regional and provincial economies by creating approximately 5,400 jobs during the construction phase, with many of these jobs being created for citizens of the Niagara region. The majority of the labour for the project will come from local Niagara trade unions. At the peak period during construction, up to 800 workers are expected to be on site daily. This number will fluctuate during the different phases of the project.
Q: How much will this project cost?
Plenary Health will be paid $759 million in today’s dollars to build, finance and maintain the new facility over 34 years (4 years construction, 30 years maintenance).
Q: Where is the new health complex located?
The new health complex is located in west St. Catharines, at the corner of First Street and Fourth Avenue. Please view the Google Map.
Q: What is the timeline for completion?
Construction of the physical facility will be completed in late 2012. It is anticipated that patient care at the facility will begin in 2013.
