The new Cowichan District Hospital is being built on the unceded traditional territory of Cowichan Tribes.
Things are heating up as 2025
promises to be our busiest year
for the project team yet. At the
Bell McKinnon site, construction
continues thanks to nearly 900
skilled tradespeople working
daily, driving this project
forward as we head toward
opening day in Spring 2027.
At the south approach,
Indigenous Health gained a new
timber-framed Gathering Space,
soon to be accented by a nearby
rain garden and detailed
landscape. An exciting new
feature is noted on page 2.
Looking upwards, the vertical
build for the 7-storey inpatient
unit (IPU) tower is now at full
height. Workers continue to
reveal the large, operable
windows that will allow future
staff and patients to enjoy
fresh air while taking in some of
the best views in the valley.
CARE IN CONSTRUCTION: YOUR HOSPITAL PROJECT
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
P R O J E C T U P D A T E
VISIT WWW.ISLANDHEALTH.CA/NEWCDH TO FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS.
PHOTOS UPDATED WEEKLY!
On the east side, the future
emergency department leads
the pack in construction
progress. Its walls have been
boarded and painted with
flooring install underway. The
exterior slate finish continues,
beneath the mass timber install
at the entrance. This area has
also been designated as a large
art installation opportunity,
with plans underway to confirm
size, medium and more as part
of the Art@CDH program.
Following an incredible amount
of interest from the island wide
artist community, the team has
now released a call out,
encouraging all artists to apply
for opportunities to create art
for the new CDH. A summary of
the open house, call out
details, and future engagement
can be found
here.
Meanwhile, away from the build
site, our busy clinical and
support services team continues
work with program user groups,
focusing on workflow
development. Following
collaborative department-by-
department review of equipment
lists, next is evaluation and
feedback opportunities with
staff and vendors. A huge thank
you to the participating
operational staff who continue
to prioritize this integral time
and work, while providing
exceptional care for the
community, while adjusting to
the new electronic health record
system in a complex and
challenging building.
Congratulations on being the
first community hospital site to
launch! Your dedication is so
appreciated. Learn more about
this launch on page 6.
WANT TO SEE THE RENDERINGS COME TO LIFE? SCAN THE QR CODES BELOW
T R A U M A R O O M T R A U M A R O O M C O M M U N I T Y H A L L C O M M U N I T Y H A L L
