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Yukon government unveils design for new wing of Whitehorse hospital

Yukoners got their first look at the $72 million Whitehorse General Hospital expansion today after a sod turning ceremony at the site today.

Health minister Mike Nixon promises 'more advanced health care here in the territory'

An artist's conception of the design for a new, two-storey wing at Whitehorse General Hospital. (Yukon Hospitals)

Yukoners got a first look today at the conceptual design for a new hospital wing at Whitehorse General Hospital.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski was joined by Yukon Hospitals' Board of Trustees Chair, Craig Tuton, and the project's design-build partner, PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. at a 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." said Pasloski.

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 July 2014 after $72 million in funding for the project was approved by the Yukon government.

The expansion project includes a new emergency ward and shelled-in second-floor space for future use.

Construction will begin this summer with 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 project is late fall 2017.