Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Acute Care Tower Update

Raising the Standard of Care in Northern Saskatchewan

Executive Summary

• RWC Systems delivering full wall and ceiling scope across 11 levels (basement + 10 floors)
• Project nearly 20% complete, with basement framing and boarding finished
• Over 1.9 million sq. ft. of drywall and 1.24 million linear feet of steel studs installed
• Specialty wood and baffle ceilings shaping a modern, acoustically tuned environment
• 360° capture technology improving quality, efficiency, and remote collaboration
• RWC leveraging hospital project experience to streamline schedules, compliance, and value-engineering
  

Why This Project Matters

The Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Acute Care Tower represents one of Saskatchewan’s most significant healthcare investments in recent years. Designed to meet the needs of a growing population in the north, the new tower will dramatically expand the region’s healthcare capacity.

When complete, the facility will add acute care beds, enlarge the emergency department, and introduce new surgical suites and intensive care units. Importantly, the tower will also bring neonatal intensive care services closer to northern families, reducing the need for long-distance transfers. The project is about more than new infrastructure — it’s about ensuring timely, modern, high-quality healthcare for northern Saskatchewan communities.

Progress to Date

RWC Systems is responsible for the full scope of exterior and interior walls and ceilings across the entire 11-storey tower, from basement to rooftop. With nearly 20% of the work now complete, progress has been steady and well-coordinated.

• Basement: Framing and boarding completed
• Floors 1–5: East exterior and interior framing completed (first pass); second pass walls and top boarding finished

This early progress sets the stage for continued momentum as crews move into upper floors.

Scope in Numbers

To grasp the scale of RWC’s work on the Acute Care Tower, the numbers tell the story:

• Drywall: 1.9 million sq. ft.
• Steel studs: 1,240,000 linear ft.
• Ceilings (ACT + drywall): 300,000 sq. ft.
• Doors & windows: 1,250 installs
• Lead shielding in walls: 4,500 sq. ft.
  

Design Highlights

The new Acute Care Tower isn’t just a functional addition — it’s also designed to feel warm, modern, and calming. A standout feature is the installation of specialty wood and baffle ceilings. These ceilings demand exacting precision, as every line and spacing must be perfect to achieve the intended acoustical performance. The result will be a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere that enhances patient comfort and staff efficiency.

Leveraging Technology

RWC is bringing innovation to the jobsite by incorporating OpenSpace, a 360° capture technology, into its workflow. This digital tool allows the team to create dated visual records of construction progress, bolstering quality assurance and providing a reliable resource for dispute resolution.

The technology also enables engineers and stakeholders to conduct virtual site walks, cutting down on travel requirements and allowing for faster collaboration. The result is a smarter, more efficient approach to complex healthcare construction.

Overcoming Challenges

Working in Prince Albert presents unique challenges, particularly around mobilizing both manpower and materials in an out-of-town location. RWC has overcome these hurdles through its established network, strong industry reputation, and collaborative approach with project partners. These strategies have helped maintain progress while minimizing disruptions to schedule and supply.

Building on Experience

This is not RWC’s first hospital — in fact, it’s the company’s fifth. Lessons from past healthcare projects have informed the team’s approach to everything from scheduling to safety.

Experience has enabled RWC to streamline inspections, ensure compliance with strict IPAC standards, and meet fire and acoustical rating requirements. The team is also well-versed in handling specialized materials such as lead and has partnered with PCL to identify value-engineering opportunities that balance efficiency with cost-effectiveness.

With this proven experience, RWC is bringing both technical expertise and practical know-how to ensure the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Acute Care Tower is delivered to the highest standards.