Government unveils plans for 2nd hospital in Surrey to help meet needs of B.C.'s fastest growing city

A second hospital is coming to Surrey, B.C., with construction expected to begin within three years.

The new facility will be built in Cloverdale, adjacent tothe Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus at 5500 180 St.

Premier John Horgan notedthat an average of1,000 people move to Surrey every month, making itthe fastestgrowing community in the province.

"This announcement means real money on a real plan," said Horgan. "This is pretty exciting and this is going to be a fast paced project."

The new Surrey hospital will have inpatient beds, an emergency department, operating rooms, laboratory and diagnostic services, and outpatient services.

Hogan estimated construction could begin as early as the fall of 2021, but more likely in2022. He was reluctant to put a price tag on the project.

The NDP promised a new hospital in Surrey as part of its election campaign platform in 2017.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says the business-plan phase will now get underway to finalize the budget and scope of the project, estimated to take 12-18 months. Once thebusiness plan is approved,the project will move to procurement and construction.

Surrey is the second largest city in B.C. with a population of roughly 600,000. It is on pace to overtake Vancouver as the most populous city in the province by 2041.

The land the hospital will be built on is alreadyowned by the government.