Duncan Advocates for Repurposing Old Hospital as New Facility Amid Construction of Modern Replacement

The City of Duncan is calling for the current Cowichan District Hospital (CDH) to be repurposed as a mental health or rehabilitation facility instead of being demolished once the new hospital is completed in 2027.

Councillor Tom Duncan emphasized that demolishing the building could be costly due to asbestos concerns, making a renovation for continued medical use a more economical and beneficial option for the community. The city hopes to see the existing hospital transformed into a healthcare facility that could provide long-term patient care, mental health services, or rehabilitation programs.

“We have an existing building that can still serve a purpose—why not use it instead of tearing it down?” said Duncan.

The idea has gained strong community support. A petition launched in July 2023 gathered over 2,000 signatures urging Island Health and provincial officials to ensure the old hospital remains a public healthcare facility. However, Island Health has stated that no decision has been made regarding the future of the old hospital, as focus remains on completing the new facility.

Read more on Cowichan Valley Citizen.

Progress on the New Cowichan District Hospital

The new Cowichan District Hospital is currently under construction on Bell McKinnon Road and is expected to open in 2027. The $1.446 billion project is a collaboration between Island Health, the Province of British Columbia, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD).

Key Features of the New Hospital:

• 204 beds, expanding capacity from the current hospital.
• Fully electric facility, making it B.C.’s first hospital with net-zero emissions goals.
• LEED Gold certification, aiming for an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• Larger emergency department and new medical imaging suites for improved diagnostics.
• More operating rooms and advanced technology to enhance patient care.

According to Island Health, construction is on track with major structural elements completed, including the diagnostic and treatment centre. The hospital is set to provide integrated health services for the entire Cowichan Valley region.

For more details, visit Island Health’s project page.

The Province of British Columbia has also released an update, confirming that the project is moving on schedule and on budget. Read the official government update here.

What Happens Next?

As Duncan pushes for repurposing the old hospital, the decision ultimately rests with Island Health and the provincial government. While no formal plans have been announced for the old CDH site, advocates hope that continued public support will help ensure valuable medical infrastructure is not lost.

For ongoing updates, follow the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project.