To the editor:
Re: "Military hospital faces wrecking ball ," Nov. 15, 2012
Your article incorrectly suggests the former Shaughnessy Hospital is being demolished to make way for a new Acute Care Centre which will serve patients from across the province. In fact, only two wings of this aging building - which cannot structurally accommodate modern acute care medical inpatient facilities - are slated to be removed for a new building incorporating both BC Children's and BC Women's hospital services.
The four heritage elements associated with the Shaughnessy building - the former main entrance, columns, bronze grill and two Beatrice Lennie sculptural relief panels - will not be affected by this demolition. We have worked to ensure that Heritage Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and other concerned citizens are aware of our respect for and intention to preserve these features.
We do not agree with the suggestion that the public cannot access information about this initiative. Site and local community open houses have been held over the last two years to discuss this project. The hospitals and project teams also communicate regularly with neighbourhood and patient advisory groups. The complete, detailed rezoning application has been available for several months and is posted online to both BC Children's and BC Women's Redevelopment Project and City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»websites. Members of the public are always encouraged to put forward their comments through the city's rezoning process and directly to the Project. We also invite everyone interested to review our website at www.newcw.ca.
We look forward to building an excellent facility to support the healthcare needs of BC's women and children.
Dave Ingram, Chief Project Officer, BC Children's and BC Women's Redevelopment Project
