EllisDon is proud to announce the substantial completion of the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) Phase 2 redevelopment—one of the most complex and ambitious healthcare infrastructure projects in British Columbia. This milestone marks the successful delivery of a state-of-the-art acute care facility that will serve the region for generations to come. From early planning to final handover, the project tested every facet of large-scale construction, showcasing our ability to lead through complexity, adapt to evolving challenges, and deliver with precision. The result is a world-class hospital that reflects our commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

One of the most complex aspects of the project was delivering major infrastructure upgrades within a fully operational hospital campus. With over 950 workers on site during the peak six months, EllisDonhad to develop and execute a detailed phasing strategy that allowed critical hospital services to continue without interruption. This included constructing an Interim Support Building to temporarily house logistics, loading docks, and materials management—enabling the safe demolition of existing structures and keeping the project on schedule. The team also coordinated shutdowns, rerouted access points, and maintained essential services, all while ensuring patient care remained unaffected.

“Working within an active hospital meant every move had to be carefully planned and communicated,” said Michael Kazda, Senior Vice President and Project Director, EllisDon. “It required a level of precision and coordination that speaks to EllisDon’s capacity to deliver complex healthcare infrastructure without compromising ongoing operations.”

Delivering a major healthcare facility in the heart of a dense urban neighborhood—and on an active hospital campus—required EllisDon to coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders. The team worked closely with residents, businesses, and city officials to manage traffic, reroute emergency vehicles, and minimize disruption. Temporary pedestrian bridges, carefully sequenced utility shutdowns, and a proactive communication strategy were just a few of the measures that kept the project on track and the community engaged.

Despite the challenges, EllisDon remained focused on the goal: delivering a facility that would serve the community for generations. The successful completion of RCH Phase 2 underscores EllisDon’s capacity to manage complex, multi-year projects with precision, agility, and a deep understanding of stakeholder needs. It’s a clear example of what’s possible when experience, innovation, and execution come together.