Construction workers prepare to pave the pick-up and drop-off area in front of the main entrance
Construction Highlights
Exterior
Taking advantage of the good weather in the summer months, construction workers are working hard to complete exterior tasks. This month, construction crews were:
- Preparing to pave the extensive pick-up and drop-off area in front of the main entrance. Like an airport, a long canopy will help shelter patients and visitors from the weather.
- Installing large glass windows at the main entrance and throughout the building. Bringing the outside in, the building has been designed to maximize the amount of natural light into the facility.
- Installing aluminum panelling for the curtain wall above the South Entrance, which faces Buttonwood Avenue and will mainly be used for ambulance transfers. A “curtain wall” is an outer covering of a building to keep the weather out. It usually has an aluminum frame and contains in-fills metal panels, thin stone or – in our case – glass.
Interior
With the large footprint of the new building, it’s hard to tell that there are hundreds of tradespeople onsite working on various parts of the building. As progress continues floor-by-floor, this month construction crews were:
- Installing elevators in the inpatient and outpatient elevator banks
- Installing wall protection and supports for millwork such as patient wardrobes and patient supply cupboards on Level 2
- Installing the epoxy flooring, which are durable and will be non-slip for patients, in the inpatient washrooms on Levels 2 and 3. The same flooring will also be installed in Food Services department and housekeeping closets.
- Framing, boarding (walls), priming and painting on Levels 3 and 4
- Framing, boarding and installing mechanical and electrical systems on Levels 5 and 6
See this month's construction photo gallery here
Construction Cam
The live feed camera is back up and running!
Much to the disappointment of many of our patients, family members and staff, the live feed camera was down due technical issues in July. But thanks to EllisDon and West Park’s Information Technology (IT) department, viewers can marvel at the progress of the new hospital again.
To check out the live feed camera, visit wpconstructioncam.org.
Electric Charging Stations
Electric vehicles are on the rise mainly due to socially and environmental conscious Canadians and the rising costs associated with gas vehicles. But one of the major concerns for current and potential drivers is the limited charging infrastructure.
In the new hospital, West Park will have a minimum of 14 electric charging stations with the infrastructure to expand.
Read more about plans for electric vehicle charging stations here
Staff Areas
West Park staff have very limited options when it comes to finding a place to sit for break or lunch time. It’s a scenario West Park staff know too well.
“In the new building, there will be a designated Staff Area on every inpatient unit — that’s 12 spaces right there — so staff won’t have to travel far to take their breaks and relax,” says Lynn Suter, Operational Readiness Transition Lead for inpatient areas. “In addition, there will also be designated Staff Areas in some outpatient areas, the lower level (basement) and Level 5.
And of course, there will be plenty of public areas for people to go including the Café, Café Patio, and terraces on every floor.”
Inside many of the Staff Areas, there will be: