Safety concerns halt construction of continuing care centre in Calgary's inner city

Construction of the provincially funded Bridgeland Riverside Continuing Care Centre in Calgary's inner city has been paused due to safety concerns.

The $130.5-million project is designed to house nearly 200 people and provide a complex network of care, including treatments for dementia, brain injury, mental illness and addiction issues, as well as provide disability supports for both residents and outpatients.

Construction at the site in Bridgeland began in January 2021.

According to the provincial government's website, the Alberta Health Services facility is expected to relieve pressure on Calgary hospitals by reducing the number of people waiting in hospitals for a continuing care space.

But a spokesperson with Alberta Infrastructure says it was recently notified about some concerns regarding the structural integrity of the project. 

"Work has been temporarily paused at the construction site to ensure the safety of workers and to allow an independent consultant to review the building's structural design and make recommendations for any necessary repairs," a spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure said.

It's not clear how long the construction will be halted or how this will affect the project's time line.

Clark Builders was awarded the contract for the project. FWBA Architects, based in Lethbridge, designed the complex.

It was expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Carewest, which runs the adjacent George Boyack care facility, will operate the new centre when it's complete.