PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. has been selected as the preferred contractor to design and build the proposed Whistle Bend continuing care facility.

The complex, to be located near Keno Way, is set to have 150 beds in the first phase.

It’s expected it will be built so that another 150 beds could be added at a later date.

The government announced PCL as the preferred proponent on Thursday afternoon.

PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. is partnered with CEI Architecture and Derek Crawford Architect Inc. on the project.

All three partners are based in British Columbia, though PCL Constructors Westcoast’s larger parent company is an international firm.

The other two proponents that had been shortlisted for consideration were the Lark Group partnered with DGBK Architects, Site Lines Architecture Inc. (all based in B.C.) and NGC Builders of Whitehorse, and Sage Healthcare Partners – a join venture of Bird Design-Build Construction of Ontario and Clark Builders of Alberta – partnered with Stantec Inc., an international company with a Whitehorse office.

“The competition for this design-build construct has been a rigorous process and we are very pleased that the highest-ranked team has emerged as the preferred proponent to deliver one of the Yukon’s largest-ever capital projects,” Highways and Public Works Minister Scott Kent said.

“It will be an exceptional facility, designed to provide maximum value and benefits for Yukoners.”

The government and PCL will negotiate a final agreement that’s expected to result in a performance-based contract “in the new year.”

Details on the final contract and costs will be public after the agreement has been signed, officials said.

Once a contract is in place, the government will unveil more detailed plans, including 3D renderings and a project fly-through that will be posted to the project website (www.hss.gov.yk.ca/whistlebend/)

Construction will then get underway, with a target completion in 2018.

A networking session will be held to connect local contractors and service providers with the contractor’s team.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $158 million.

The government’s plan for the facility has continued to be opposed by those who have taken issue with its large size and the location in a neighbourhood that is still being established and is away from the downtown core.

The issue has continued to arise during question period in the legislature.

The Opposition parties have argued against the plans and have called for more consultation on it. The government side has highlighted the need for the more continuing care beds.

In Thursday’s announcement, Health and Social Services Minister Mike Nixon continued to defend the plan, stating: “We’ve heard from Yukoners and our health care professionals that this continuing care facility is urgently.

“We are excited to move forward with this facility. It embraces best practices based on informed evidence from across the nation, and is designed with a lens that encompasses aging and dementia care.

“With this facility, Yukon will continue to be a national leader in providing a broad continuum of services to seniors.”

Ben Horowitz, a Department of Highways and Public Works spokesman, said this morning PCL brings “the experience and expertise” needed for the job.

The company has also shown a commitment to hiring Yukoners on the job. That’s something that has been evident through its work on the Whitehorse General Hospital expansion as well, Horowitz said.

It’s expected the agreement with PCL will be signed in mid to late January, he said.

Horowitz went on to note that the work will be done to consult with key stakeholders, including staff, residents, First Nations and others on the project.

There will also be continual updates for all Yukoners through open houses and via the website.

Moving ahead, work will now get underway on negotiating the agreement with PCL.

“There’s still a lot to be negotiated,” Horowitz said.

See letter.