A concept rendering of Prince Albert's proposed $300 million hospital expansion. (Government of Saskatchewan)

By Alison Sandstrom

Budget 2021

No construction timeline, but progress continues on Victoria Hospital expansion

Apr 8, 2021 | 4:54 PM

Despite criticism from the NDP, Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne says he’s “very pleased” to see the government “continuing to put money into the planning of the Victoria Hospital expansion.”

While NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat told paNOW the government is “dragging its feet” by allocating only $1.4 million towards the project in this year’s budget, Dionne disagrees.

“I didn’t expect the amount to be different this year because it’s a $300 million project, it’s got to fit into your budget and that’s going to take some planning,” he said. “And that $300 million will not be spent in one year it will be spent over two or three years.”

In March of 2020, Premier Scott Moe announced the government had earmarked $300 million for the multi-story expansion. The announcement contained no specific timelines.

In an emailed response to paNOW Thursday, the Ministry of Health said a total of $8.5 million has been invested into the project to date, including the $1.4 million announced Tuesday.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

“The funding of $1.4 million will support finalizing the functional program, development of design, program planning, and construction procurement activities,” the statement said, in part.

Planning and design work will include development of space for culturally appropriate care and feature culturally appropriate design, the statement continued. Local First Nations organizations, such as Prince Albert Grand Council and Métis Nation Saskatchewan will be engaged as partners on the project to lead and inform the development of this space and provide guidance and leadership on the project regarding decisions impacting First Nations and Metis people.

The project is currently in the planning and design phase and will move forward in summer 2021 with subsequent procurement activities for selection of the design builder, the ministry said.

The ministry’s response did not include information on when construction is projected to start.

–

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom