Verdun Hospital
Verdun Hospital
Ongoing
Health sector
The Verdun Hospital modernization and expansion project is being carried out in partnership with BPA on behalf of the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI).
The project is part of a broader vision to provide healthcare facilities that are high-performing, sustainable, and designed to meet the growing needs of the population. Covering an area of 20,600 m² across seven storeys, including a basement, the expansion will add 144 new patient rooms, significantly increasing the hospital’s capacity and enhancing the quality of care.
The ground floor has been redesigned to accommodate a day medicine unit, a nuclear medicine department, and an outpatient clinic, improving access to healthcare services. The project also includes a bright central atrium, a connecting bridge linking the various sectors of the hospital, as well as new receiving and shipping docks to optimize logistics operations.
Significant work is also being carried out within the existing facility, with the renovation of 3,000 m² to ensure seamless connections across six levels between the new pavilion and the hospital’s critical functions, including the operating rooms, intensive care unit, and day surgery department. A new central energy plant located at the top of the expansion will provide the building’s heating and cooling needs.
Enhanced Electrical Infrastructure for Greater Reliability
To support this major transformation, the hospital’s electrical infrastructure is undergoing extensive modernization. The existing 5 MW, 25 kV substation is being fully upgraded, while a new 2 MW, 25 kV substation is being added to meet the increased energy demand.
These upgrades are designed to ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply to critical areas such as the emergency department and intensive care unit. Particular attention is being given to the integration of existing systems with the new installations to ensure a smooth transition. Strategic electrical pathways are also being incorporated into sensitive areas to facilitate maintenance while minimizing service interruptions.
With a focus on long-term performance, certain existing equipment is being upgraded beyond the original scope of the mandate to improve system reliability and maximize the durability of the investment.
An Integrated Approach to Mechanical and Electrical Building Engineering
The project team contributes through a multidisciplinary engineering approach, with specific expertise in plumbing, medical gas systems, and hospital pneumatic tube systems. The new medical gas plants within the expansion have been designed to support the demand of the entire hospital. At the same time, strong electrical engineering expertise ensures that the project meets the stringent requirements of a healthcare environment.
The team’s involvement spans the entire project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, load analyses, preparation of plans and specifications, coordination with the architectural, structural, and mechanical disciplines, collaboration with Hydro-Québec, construction supervision, and commissioning. This integrated approach ensures the consistency, reliability, and performance of all building systems.
Meeting the Challenges of Construction in an Active Hospital
Carrying out construction work within an occupied healthcare facility presents significant challenges. Careful planning of service interruptions and phased construction allow hospital operations to continue while minimizing disruptions to patient care.
Innovative modular solutions are being implemented to maintain critical services throughout construction. In addition, the integration of intelligent control systems will enable real-time management of the electrical infrastructure, helping optimize both the building’s energy efficiency and operational performance.
Given the scale and complexity of the project, a structured milestone-based schedule has been established, from the initial concept through to the tendering phase. Dividing the work into multiple packages facilitates coordination among stakeholders and helps minimize the risk of delays.
A Landmark Project Serving the Community
Through close collaboration among all stakeholders and a project approach focused on performance and reliability, the Verdun Hospital modernization and expansion project stands as a landmark achievement in healthcare engineering.
Once completed, it will provide modern, safe, and adaptable healthcare facilities while ensuring continuity of care throughout construction—a critical priority in this type of essential healthcare environment.
📸 Adrien Williams
