The Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) is asking for request for proposals (RFP) for a new building in 100 Mile House that will cater to health-care professionals.
The objective of the RFP is to see a mixed-use office building consisting of eight offices, a 25-person board room, reception area, and necessary service rooms, with the second floor containing one three-bed and one-bath suite and two one-bed and one-bath suites.
"This allows (health-care professionals), when they come to the hospital to be locums or to be visiting nurses, somewhere that we have, somewhere we can put them up," says Al Richmond, chair of the CCRHD. The building, he adds, will be located behind the 100 Mile Community Hall.
The proposed location is right on Third Street and would include the old CFFM Radio Building, which would be demolished to make way for the new building. Gerald Pinchbeck, the CRD's manager of communications, said the location is being used for the "purpose of facilitating a design."
"This project is conceptual at this stage, and details will be finalized depending on a funding decision," Pinchbeck said.
When asked if the CRD owns the property or plans to purchase it, he said he could not provide any information on its status or if the CRD is interested in it. Pinchbeck said again it was chosen as a sample location to obtain a quote for the project.
Richmond said the building is needed because of a shortage of rental accommodations in the South Cariboo.
"When we're looking at health-care professionals coming — for example, locums to run the ER — on an ongoing basis, it's always a challenge. They can't find [accommodation]. We've had basement suites rented for them that we hold and make available. The issue was to try and have something in the downtown, in the core, where people could walk to the grocery store, walk to restaurants, and they'll be able to go to the hospital."
In a news release, the CCRHD noted they estimate a budget of around $2.5 million for the new building and noted the CCRHD is seeking a conceptual design along with a Class C estimate, with final design and costing to be negotiated with the successful proponent upon acceptance and approval by the CCRHD.
Richmond describes what the successful contractor will be doing.
"They'll look at logistics, where the water is, where the sewer is, and the cost of demolition for existing buildings. So that's why you do [an RFP]: rather than a tender, you do a custom proposal."
It is not yet known when construction of the building will begin, but Richmond says that they hope to begin construction in spring 2025 if the contractors are "ready to go." The request for proposals is set to close at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16.
"This will be a real advantage to us when we are trying to attract people to come to the Cariboo," Richmond says.
