Look ahead: The new year brings us closer to making transformational changes to the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) campus. The months ahead will be critical for preparing for the opening of the new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower (JPACT). Our teams are hard at work to get ready for opening day.
Behind-the-scenes tour
Photo: In the new lobby, from left: Sheila Finamore, Josie Osborne, Dr. Gerald Da Roza, Jennifer Whiteside, Stephanie Higginson, Dr. Anson Koo, Ramona Fonseka, Jeff Norris, and Jorge Remolina.
Minister of Health Josie Osborne, Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside and Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Care Access Stephanie Higginson, along with Fraser Health leaders, got a sneak preview of the new acute care tower in late January. The tour showcased how the new facility is expanding emergency and trauma services, strengthening surgical capacity, and supporting patient-centred care.
Construction update
Photo: Top: (L) East Columbia Street surface parking, (R) Medical Surgical care team base; Bottom: (L) Patient room, (R) Waiting area
Our construction partner EllisDon continues to make progress toward the total completion of JPACT. While most spaces are finished, there are key areas that require some finishing touches. Outside, surface parking construction is targeted to be complete by mid-February. Preliminary renovations for the next phase of the redevelopment are underway in existing buildings. Read more.
Art to inspire healing
Photo: Artwork will be inspired by nature, like the wall graphics found throughout the building such as this one in the pediatric emergency waiting area.
We have identified multiple locations on all patient care floors for contemporary art. Our guiding principles are to reflect Fraser Health’s values, promote health and wellness, celebrate Indigenous art and culture, encourage connection, and be inclusive and representative of the diverse communities we serve. Nature is the unifying theme, bringing together design elements and artwork throughout the tower. The selection process included consultation with hospital leaders, Indigenous Health, the RCH Foundation and project team representatives.
Spotlight on New Westminster
Fraser Health Careers features the vibrant community of New Westminster and the incredible work happening at Royal Columbian Hospital. Learn more about what it’s like to live and work in this dynamic community. Interested in working at Royal Columbian Hospital? Join the virtual hiring fair on February 19 from 11 am to 12 pm and find out about the opportunities available. Careers is also hosting a virtual open house on February 9 at 9 a.m. for Emergency Medicine with Dr. Ken Chan.
Video: Highlights of 2025
Take a sneak peek inside the new tower as we celebrate the achievements of 2025.
Building with care: A year of progress
Watch a video featuring capital project milestones from the last year throughout Fraser Health.
Did you know?
The new tower is designed to be gold certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. It features advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that maximize energy efficiency.
Contact us
Contact the project team at RCHRedevelopment@Fraserhealth.ca. Learn more about the project on our website, or view our latest updates and videos. Interested in working at Royal Columbian Hospital? Visit our careers page.
