PROPOSED SITE FOR NEW PROVINCIAL LAB

A new provincial public health laboratory in Saskatchewan is now one step closer to reality. Health Minister John Nilson announced today that the Regina Research Park, adjacent to the University of Regina, is the proposed site for the $26.7 million facility.

"The new provincial laboratory means safe and healthier communities in our province," Nilson said. "With it, we are improving our ability to better identify, respond to and prevent illness and disease in Saskatchewan."

The team of P3 Architecture Ltd./Cohos Evamy – A Joint Venture in association with Ben Kelley Architect Inc. has been awarded the contract to design the new facility, after an open and competitive 'request for proposal' process. Design work will begin immediately; the first order of business will be to address the feasibility of the proposed site. The expected completion date for the new lab is March 31st, 2008.

P3 Architecture Ltd. is a firm owned and operated in Saskatchewan, with experience in the field of laboratories and institutional projects. Cohos Evamy is an Alberta-based consultant, with expertise in laboratory design. Senior design consultant Ben Kelley Architect Inc. is based in Regina.

"Our team is excited to be involved with a project that will become a benchmark for provincial laboratories across Canada," Project Director and Architect/Partner with P3 Architecture Ltd. James Youck said.

Plans for the new provincial laboratory were announced last November as part of the government's Mid-Year Report. It will meet future needs by improving testing capability and speeding up intervention in the event of a public health crisis such as SARS or an influenza pandemic.

Saskatchewan has had a provincial lab for 100 years.

"It is with pride that the government is celebrating plans for a new lab during Saskatchewan's centennial year," Nilson said. "The public health system has been a source of great pride for Saskatchewan people for much of the last 100 years; initiatives like this new facility will carry our pride into the future."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083