Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford

Construction

This P3 project involved the design and construction of a combined mental health and correctional complex. The mandate of the facility is to serve residents of Saskatchewan with mental illness whose needs cannot be accommodated in local acute inpatient mental health facilities, long-term care homes, or correctional centres. The 35,000 sq. m. (376,700 sq. ft.) facility incorporated Lean building strategies as the project team replaced North Battleford’s existing hospital with the combined facility that will operate as a modern, therapeutic environment.

The facility includes 284 beds, 96 of which are ‘secure’ beds dedicated to offenders living with mental health issues. The facility will specialize in psychiatric rehabilitation, delivering mental health services to both secure and non-secure patients. Services include short and long-term rehabilitation; forensic client care; respite care; outpatient assessment; and various psychosocial programs. In addition, three smaller buildings were constructed adjacent to the main building—community reintegration units (CRUs)—designed to house and teach former patients valuable life skills before re-entering the community. The units feature a home-like atmosphere, complete with all amenities to better prepare these individuals for independent living.

Financing

Graham Capital was the finance lead for this project and a 50% equity partner. The Graham-led finance team negotiated a very attractive, well above market rate on the security deposit note which helped to mitigate negative carry and aided Graham in structuring the most competitive financial solution that provided value for money for the taxpayers of Saskatchewan. The types of financing included equity financing, loan term debt in combination with the authority’s funding. The project closed in August 2015 and reflects Graham’s ability to secure financing in turbulent financial markets while also achieved a cost savings to taxpayers of $90 million (18%).