This release was issued under a previous government.

The Alberta government has budgeted $3.4 billion for health facilities over the next five years, including $653 million for maintenance and renewal, and $2.7 billion for ongoing and new major construction projects across the province.

Maintenance funding will be increased next year by nearly 60%, from the current $70 million a year to $111 million in 2015-16.  By 2018-19 it will rise to $146 million, more than double the current level.  With the extra funding, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is stepping up its maintenance schedule, with 300 projects so far identified over the next two years worth $146 million, and over $80 million still in the budget for the next two years for further priorities. Projects will be managed by the new AHS operational districts. In addition, the capital plan includes $25 million a year to replace and upgrade medical equipment.

“Even in challenging fiscal times, we understand the vital role that health care plays in the lives of all Albertans, and in the quality of life in our communities. That’s why Budget 2015 includes increased funding for both capital and maintenance projects as a key part of our new five-year Capital Plan.”

Premier Jim Prentice

Major capital projects specific to Calgary include:

  • A new cancer centre at South Health Campus, as Phase 1 of a two-site model for cancer care in Calgary; future expansion of cancer services at Foothills Medical Centre will be planned within the Foothills site master plan
  • Peter Lougheed Centre women’s services and vascular renovations
  • McCaig Tower capacity expansion and renovations
  • Renovations and expansion of Emergency Departments at Peter Lougheed Centre and South Health Campus (pediatrics)

Major projects specific to southern Alberta include:

  • A new urgent care centre in Airdrie (along with Beaverlodge and Sylvan Lake), based on a new template design that will be repeatable, scale-able, and cost-effective
  • Red Deer obstetrical unit renovations
  • Funding for ongoing projects to redevelop or replace Raymond and Taber Health Centres, Lethbridge Chinook Regional Hospital, and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

“Our government is committed to making sure Albertans have access to high quality health-care services when and where they need them. By investing wisely in capital, maintenance, renovations and repairs, we can make sure our health facilities are ready to meet Albertans’ needs both today and well into the future.”

Stephen Mandel, Minister of Health

“Alberta faces major fiscal challenges but our commitment to core services has not changed. By extracting better value for the dollars we spend we are protecting priority infrastructure projects and moving ahead with new and modernized health facilities."

Manmeet S. Bhullar, Minister of Infrastructure

"I welcome the investments being announced today by the Government of Alberta that will see much needed investment in infrastructure maintenance and significant investments in capital projects. It is vital that we continue to invest in our critical health care infrastructure so our frontline physicians and staff can provide quality care in safe environments. We must also ensure we invest wisely to position AHS to meet the needs of Albertans into the future."

Vickie Kaminski, President and CEO, Alberta Health Services (AHS)

Alberta has about $20 billion worth of health facilities. Funding for health maintenance projects is administered by Alberta Infrastructure under the Infrastructure Maintenance Program. Through this program, Alberta Infrastructure provides funding to AHS to address priority maintenance needs across the province.

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