Roger Bacon Long-Term Care Centre: A $63 Million Project Supporting Nova Scotia’s Seniors

The Roger Bacon Long-Term Care Centre covers 7,557-m² and is being constructed in Amherst, Nova Scotia. With 96 beds on two storeys, this state-of-the-art centre will offer complete services for seniors. This is part of the provincial government’s commitment to invest in new long-term care beds and facilities over the next several years. Over 2024-25, a total of 264 beds will be added.

This $63-million facility is being executed over 33 months. Foundations have been poured, and steel has been erected. 

How we dealt with a high water table issue 

A unique artesian condition involving a high water table has been an issue on the Roger Bacon site. How did we deal with it? By developing customized solutions involving the redesign and testing of geotechnical approaches.

Stakeholder collaboration is key for solving issues 

The Pomerleau project team collaborated closely with GEM, Englobe, and SP Dumaresq Architecture to investigate these soil conditions and determine a cost-effective and practical solution. Where the fill was unsuitable, soils were capped with lean mix concrete. Along with additional dewatering, this approach was an innovative and composite solution for these unique conditions. 

Other innovative project approaches 

BIM coordination is being used on site to detect and correct clashes before MEP systems arrive. This will ensure the project stays on schedule. OpenSpace 360 video jobsite capture and mapping are being used to ensure an up-to-date, collaborative record of the building, which improves coordination and helps manage risk. 

Using Pomerleau’s logistics expertise

Key to managing the soil challenges on this site are the logistics skills of seasoned superintendent Harold Warren. “Harold’s efforts are helping us avoid impacts on the project by adjusting sequential works and working closely with our foundation and steel subcontractors to juggle priorities in various phases. This rephasing is keeping the project progressing and showcases the team’s adaptability when we are faced with the unexpected,” said Vicars.