Read on to learn about unique design features and the efforts to reflect the community in the exciting Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment project.
Photo (L-R): Dwayne Charlesworth, senior superintendent (EllisDon), Halima Qureshi, senior leader – design for the redevelopment project; Jorge Remolina, deputy chief project officer, Michael Kazda, senior vice president and project director (EllisDon).
On the north facade of the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, two concrete ‘V’ columns converge to form a distinctive ‘W'. These columns stand not only as structural supports, but they also serve as a proud emblem of New Westminster, the community where the new tower resides.
“The ‘W’ is a unique design feature that is a reminder of the iconic public art that once stood at Westminster Pier Park,” says Jorge Remolina, deputy chief project officer for the Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment project. “As a major trauma centre, Royal Columbian serves patients from across the region. It’s also a place where major life moments happen for the people of New Westminster. The ‘W’ reminds local patients and visitors of the original artwork and helps connect the new tower to the community it serves.”
In 2020, a prominent local art installation of shipping containers arranged in the shape of a ‘W’ was dismantled following a devastating fire at Westminster Pier Park. Although this iconic piece was lost, the park reopened in 2021 after extensive rebuilding efforts. The hospital’s ‘W’ now stands as a homage to the lost artwork, a reminder of the city’s resilience and a celebration of its evolving identity.
Royal Columbian Hospital’s construction partner EllisDon integrated three key elements into the design of the surrounding landscape to complement the ‘W’ structure: a strong connection to the local community, the significance of the Fraser River and the cultural presence and legacy of Indigenous Peoples whose histories and traditions shape the area. The green spaces near the ‘W’ will feature landscaping inspired by riverbanks, using natural plantings and materials to create an environment where staff, patients and visitors can find rest and relaxation.
The ‘W’ feature, along with the thoughtful landscaping demonstrates respect for the city's industrial heritage, acknowledges its Indigenous roots and underscores hospital’s commitment to the community’s well-being as Royal Columbian Hospital prepares to usher in the future of health care.
Learn more about the Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment project on our website.
Interested in working with us? Visit our careers page.
