The province said the issues identified in the report are being addressed. (file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Audit released

Audit for Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford indicates construction-related deficiencies among concerns

Sep 4, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The independent audit on the new Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) facility indicates a range of construction-related deficiencies, according to the province.

The province released the audit report, available to the public on its website. It indicated it is acting on the recommendations.

As reported by battlefordsNOW, the SHNB had seen a number of significant challenges since it was constructed, including a leaking roof that needed to be replaced after it opened, indicating the need for the audit.

The audit prepared by JPH Consulting looked at the quality of materials, equipment, labour and workmanship during the construction phase. And a review of processes used during design, construction and operating periods to assess how they followed the P3 Project Agreement between Access Prairies Partnership (APP) and the province.

The province said the audit identified among the challenges with the project, during the construction phase of the facility, commissioning and quality assurance plans were in place, but they were “not fully implemented” due to unclear roles and responsibilities. There were also some gaps in record-keeping as another concern.

Pride in the Park photo gallery

No rainbows without rain: Pride in the Park a success despite rainy weather

21h ago

CREE EDUCATION

'I want to be able to contribute back': Cree language keeper honoured with Sask. Order of Merit

Jun 07, 2025

No arrests made

RCMP investigating arson at provincial fire base

Jun 07, 2025

“This complex project did have challenges and we have learned from this experience that while we have solid plans in place, we need stronger governance to ensure the plans and formal processes are strictly followed,” Minister Responsible for SaskBuilds Gordon Wyant said in a statement. “These learnings will be applied to future projects, including traditional and P3 builds.”

The province said Central Services is working with Access Prairies Partnership (APP) to remedy the issues identified in the study, while making building and fire code requirement items a priority.

“Ensuring the safety of the patients and staff at the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford has always been and continues to be our priority,” Graham Capital President and owner of APP and Graham’s Chief Financial Officer Tim Heavenor said. “This facility has had its challenges, many of which have already been resolved at no cost to the people of Saskatchewan. We are committed to addressing the remaining issues outlined in the audit report, so that patients and staff can continue to deliver and receive treatment in a modern mental health facility.”

Central Services said the audit indicated the majority of items identified are not unexpected in a facility of this size.

The audit also indicated the facility’s construction generally meets the requirements set out in the Project Agreement.

The province said it requested the audit to fully understand the state of the facility.

“The audit is a snapshot in time that provides a foundation to address any deficiencies at no cost to government under the unique protections provided through the Public-Private-Partnership (P3) Project Agreement,” Central Services Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said in the release.

–

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW