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Quebec’s new premier, Christine Fréchette, is committing to upgrade and expand the crumbling Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal’s east end.
Fréchette said Thursday she would set aside nearly $400 million to begin preparatory work on the project. The work is intended to ensure the site will have sufficient water and sewage networks, as well as a stable power supply, before major construction begins, according to a government news release.
The plan also includes the acquisition of three lots near the hospital and the construction of a multi-storey parking garage. A call for tenders is expected to be issued in May.
In addition to the preparatory work, the government confirmed $300 million that had previously been announced.
That money will be used to finalize the establishment of the project office, which is completing the design phase of the new hospital and developing detailed plans and specifications, according to the news release.
WATCH | Quebec to give Montreal hospital an upgrade:
Quebec’s new premier commits extra $400M to upgrade, expand Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital
The additional funding will go toward preparing the site and acquiring more land for the hospital to expand in the future. Quebec had already set aside $300 million for the project in early April, bringing the total to $700 million for the revamping project.
The government says the goal is to welcome the first patients in 2036.
The announcement comes only six months ahead of the next provincial election, with the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government struggling in the polls.
For years, employees have called for improvements at the aging facility, which has become emblematic of the infrastructure deficit facing Quebec hospitals.
In 2023, then-Health Minister Christian Dubé promised prep work would begin at the hospital in 2024, a deadline that was ultimately missed.
During her run for the CAQ leadership, Fréchette pledged to make the hospital a priority.
“I commit to ensuring the necessary funds for the renovation and modernization of Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont are available so this project becomes a reality,” she posted on X in March.
Despite today’s announcement, the project remains officially in the “planning” phase of the Quebec Infrastructure Plan.
The HMR Coalition, a group pressing for improvements at the hospital, issued a statement saying it was pleased to see Fréchette prioritizing the facility, noting that she had formed her cabinet only two days ago.
“We see a real desire on the part of the premier to shift this project to the next level,” said Dr. Marc Brosseau, a spokesperson for the coalition.