Yukon government unveils design for new wing of Whitehorse hospital

Yukoners got a first look today at theconceptual design for a new hospital wing atWhitehorse General Hospital.

Yukon PremierDarrell Pasloskiwas joined by Yukon Hospitals' Board of Trustees Chair, Craig Tuton, and the project's design-build partner, PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.ata groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction.

"The expansion of Whitehorse General Hospital unveiled today represents the latest delivery on our commitment to health care innovations and technologies that will support the very best acute care for all Yukoners."saidPasloski.

Health and Social Services Minister Mike Nixon said"Yukoners are already seeing the benefits from phase one of the hospital's expansion through the successful introduction of a new MRI program.This latest expansion will result in further improvements to services and care for Yukoners."

The expanded hospital was officially announced in July2014 after $72 million in funding for the project was approved by the Yukon government.

The expansion project includesa new emergencywardand shelled-in second-floor space for future use.

Construction will begin this summerwith site preparations for next year, when the new structure will begin to take shape.

The design process is expected to be finalized by the end of fall of this year.

Anticipated completion of the projectis late fall 2017.