Weeneebayko Area Health Authority Redevelopment: Bringing improved access to healthcare for Indigenous communities

We’re proud to partner with Infrastructure Ontario and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and help First Nations communities receive emergency, and acute and specialty healthcare services in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Based in northern Ontario, the WAHA redevelopment project involves the construction of a new acute care hospital, Elder Care Lodge, visitor hostel and staff accommodations in Moosonee and a new ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory. Once complete, these modern facilities will support WAHA in providing exceptional, culturally-appropriate healthcare to patients and clients living along Ontario’s James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts, the majority of whom are proudly Cree and hold a strong connection to the land and waters that are their traditional territory.

The new regional healthcare campus in Moosonee will include:

• 36 inpatient beds in private rooms
• A larger 24-hour emergency department
• Modern surgical suites
• A facility for dialysis
• Expanded mental health and addictions programming space
• Improved primary health care services
• A lab/pharmacy/diagnostic imaging facility
• A traditional healing space
• A new 32-bed Elder Care Lodge
• A hostel for patients and visitors
• Residences for staff

The new ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory will include: 

• Emergency health services; access to primary health care
• Diagnostic imaging capabilities
• Physiotherapy
• A dental facility
• A facility for dialysis
• The Ontario Telemedicine Network
• A traditional healing space and health promotion programming

Promoting Sustainability

The project aims to achieve LEED v4 Silver Rating certification in Healthcare, with an emphasis on sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials. Environmental considerations will be incorporated through the implementation of erosion and sedimentation controls; integration of energy-efficient HVAC, electrical, and water systems to remedy increases to the building’s footprint; and enhanced indoor air quality measures. Architectural elements have been included in the design to allow ample natural daylight to foster a vibrant and energized environment.

Innovative Solutions

This project will employ modular construction, prefabricated components, and advanced technologies like BIM 3D modeling, virtual reality, and drone imaging to streamline building processes. Innovations such as vibration detection sensors will also help minimize site disruptions. These approaches enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental impact.

Modular Construction

Modular construction offers significant advantages for building hospitals in remote regions where infrastructure is limited. It allows for much of the construction to occur off-site in controlled environments, reducing the impact of harsh weather and minimizing on-site labor needs, which is crucial in areas with no paved roads or limited access. Modular construction accelerates the building process and ensures consistent quality, enabling faster delivery of critical healthcare facilities in challenging locations.

Indigenous Relations

Engagement with the Indigenous communities and people in the region is a critical part of the collaborative approach Pomerleau is taking to ensure we listen to and understand the unique needs and interests of the Cree people.  By respecting cultural practices and creating opportunities for local employment and skill-building – we’re fostering trust and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities on infrastructure development. This approach not only advances reconciliation but also leads to more successful, sustainable projects.

Our Challenges

Remote Location

Moosonee is accessible by air, rail and ice road. Helicopters are used between Moosonee and Moose Factory during the seasons when the ice road is not available. The remoteness of the build locations presents transportation and logistics challenges. Additionally, there is limited accommodations in the region, requiring the construction of a temporary workers camp.

Weather Conditions

The remoteness requires careful planning around weather conditions, which are not typical considerations in more urban or accessible projects. Design considerations have been thoughtfully made to reduce dependency on weather-dependent construction methods and maximize the use of prefabrication and modular buildings. Since the region experiences extreme cold and seasonal access restrictions, we’ve had to develop detailed contingency plans to keep the project on track. 

Infrastructure Upgrades

The local municipal infrastructure will require upgrades to meet the needs of the future health campus. Additionally, a dedicated rail spur has been created to support material delivery.