Province release:

Construction of the new acute care tower at the QEII Halifax Infirmary has reached another milestone, with the Level 8 podium structure now in place.

The podium is the lower, wider portion of the building and that forms the base of the 14-storey acute care tower.

It will house a range of hospital services, infrastructure and support functions – including medical device reprocessing, hyperbaric medicine, the new, larger emergency department, surgical suites, ambulatory treatment spaces and laboratories – and provide the structural foundation for the tower above it.

“This is a significant milestone in the Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “Since construction began, we’ve seen tremendous progress as the building takes shape and the podium is now complete. Over the next year, it will be exciting to watch the acute tower rise towards its full 14-storey height. The Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project will ensure Nova Scotians have access to cutting-edge care in state-of-the-art facilities for generations to come.”

The project was named Best Social Infrastructure Project at the 2026 P3 Awards, which recognize excellence in public-private partnerships across North and South America. Judges recognized the collaboration among Build Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Health, the Department of Health and Wellness, Plenary PCL Health and other partners in advancing one of Atlantic Canada’s most complex healthcare infrastructure projects while construction continues within an active hospital campus.

To date, crews have:

• surpassed one million hours worked with zero lost-time incidents
• excavated and removed 543,000 tonnes of soil and rock
• poured 54,000 cubic metres of concrete
• installed 5,800 tonnes of steel and rebar
• installed 22 concrete girder beams weighing more than 907,000 kilograms combined.

The building envelope installation began in the summer of 2026, marking the start of enclosing portions of the structure, with other work – including underground electrical work, preparations for permanent power, and technical systems installation – also continuing.

The project is on schedule for substantial completion and turnover to Nova Scotia Health in the fall of 2030. After taking possession, Nova Scotia Health will test equipment, train staff and prepare the new space for patient care ahead of its opening to patients in the fall of 2031.

Quotes:

“The completion of the Level 8 podium is an important milestone, but what matters most is what it represents – the people, teamwork and determination behind this project. Hundreds of people have worked together to bring this building to life, while maintaining an active hospital campus and keeping patients, visitors and staff moving safely through it. We’re proud of what has been accomplished and of the people who are building a better future for healthcare in Nova Scotia.”
— David Benoit, President and CEO, Build Nova Scotia

“Achieving this milestone with zero lost-time incidents is a testament to the expertise, dedication and collaboration of the workforce and partners bringing this transformative healthcare facility to life. We are grateful to the many people and organizations whose commitment has made this progress possible. This recognition (from the P3 Awards) reflects what can be achieved when partners come together behind a shared vision. We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue delivering a facility that will benefit Nova Scotians for generations to come.”
— Paul Knowles, Senior Vice-President and District Manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

Quick Facts:

• what’s ahead in 2027
  • begin installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, including heating and cooling systems
  • begin elevator installation
  • permanent electrical power in place, supporting equipment installation and system testing
  • work continues on enclosing the building and constructing interior spaces

Additional Resources:

The Action For Health Build: https://buildns.ca/healthcare/more-faster-the-action-for-health-build/

Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project: www.qe2renew.ca