QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion

The Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Halifax Infirmary Expansion marks a significant investment in the future of healthcare delivery for Nova Scotia and the broader Maritime region. As the largest hospital in the region, the QEII carries a long-standing legacy, tracing its roots back to 1884 when Halifax surgeon Edward Farrell partnered with the Sisters of Charity to establish a medical ward for those in need. Since then, the hospital has undergone multiple transformations – relocating and expanding in 1903, 1933, and most recently in 1997 – each time reflecting the growing and evolving needs of the community it serves.

The expansion responds directly to those needs by increasing capacity, improving access to care, and enhancing the ability of healthcare providers to deliver timely and coordinated services. The project is being delivered in phases to ensure that the full scope of work can be completed while maintaining continuity and reducing the strain on existing facilities. Once complete, the expansion will introduce a new Emergency Department, Acute Care facility, Cancer Care Centre, Innovation and Learning Centre, and a heliport, all supported by critical infrastructure upgrades. Together, these additions are set to significantly strengthen the region’s healthcare system, reduce wait times, and support a more resilient and patient-focused model of care. The project is also targeting LEED Silver certification, making significant improvements to the building’s environmental sustainability.

Our team is working to review and assess the fire protection and life safety requirements applicable to this project as set out in the Nova Scotia Building Code (NSBC) and the Nova Scotia Fire Code (NSFC). Specifically, we are working on the Planning/Design/Control (PDC) side of the project, reviewing technical submissions at various milestones during the project.

Renderings courtesy of B+H Architects