The Peace Arch 200 bed care facility was made possible by the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation (PAHF) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Fraser Valley Health Authority to fulfill the ever-evolving and growing community health care needs. The new four storey, non-combustible, 165,000 ft2 facility is estimated to have capacity for 200 beds. One hundred twelve, large single bed units with private washrooms and space for personal furnishings and belongings will be dedicated to complex residential care. In a secure wing, there will be 73 beds for geriatric mental health and substance abuse patients, which will also contain equipment specifically designed to care for obese patients. The new hospice portion of the facility will include 15 private rooms, with private washrooms. The rooms have been designed to look out over a private secure garden area, where patients are welcome to visit family members or sit and enjoy the sunshine. Each floor is equipped with shared dining rooms, lounges, activity areas, housekeeping, nursing and medication offices, support areas and assisted bathing facilities. The facility will also include a commercial kitchen and central laundry for additional services.
Williams Engineering (WE) designed the building’s ventilation system using principles from CSA Z317.2, using increased ventilation rates and high filtration levels to maintain excellent indoor air quality. All ventilation systems are equipped with energy recovery and provide partial mechanical cooling to resident rooms. Common areas are fully air conditioned by use of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pumps, and all spaces are heated using ceiling mounted radiant panels. A central digital controls system manages the building systems for maximum energy savings. The mechanical and plumbing components were carefully specified to match the requirements of Fraser Health Authority (FHA), including requirements for water and energy savings, bariatric use, accessibility needs, and hygiene. The mechanical systems underwent continuous value engineering to seek lower-cost alternatives to FHA specific requirements and certain portions of CSA Z317, while still complying with FHA objectives.
With the growing need of additional care facilities in the greater Vancouver, WE is glad to have provided services for a project that will positively enhance the community.