Geotechnical assessment work underway for Regina General Hospital parkade planning
Visitor parking lot restrictions expected over next few weeks
Visitor parking in the northwest portion of the visitor lot at the Regina General Hospital (RGH) will be temporarily reduced while surveying and geotechnical assessments are carried out as part of the planning work for the construction of a parkade.
A technical site assessment with ground penetrating radar has identified anomalies that require further investigation before proceeding. This will require an archeological assessment including on-site excavation to positively identify the nature of the anomalies and is part of the due diligence to ensure a suitable site for a parkade. The anomalies could be old foundations, building structures, other excavation activities but could also potentially be historical burials.
There are historical gaps in information regarding buildings and occupants over the years but the first cottage hospital was opened on the RGH grounds in 1895 with subsequent additions and changes in owners and operations. There was also a Children’s Aid Home in the vicinity.
Appropriate agencies and Ministries have been notified of the exploratory work underway and the Ministry of Saskbuilds and Procurement and the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will work closely with partners on next steps in the event that any human remains are discovered.
The SHA and Ministries apologize for any inconvenience this poses for visitors to RGH.
An update on the findings of the exaction and archeological work will be provided at a later date.
