Pre-Conference Program

The programs will be start at the Main Hall, Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay.  Registration will open at 8:00 am.  Coffee and tea will be available at 8:00 am.

Building Cultural Bridges:  Reconciliation in Action
8:30 am – Noon, Friday, April 10, 2015
Cost:  $35

Facilitated by naasʔałuk (John Rampanen).  John’s heritage stems from the Ahousaht First Nation in traditional Nuu-chah-nulth territory. Through his collection of historical accounts, language and cultural practices across Vancouver Island he has developed an experiential workshop that provides an in-depth and intrinsic approach that explores the rich and diverse cultures, values and beliefs of the First People’s of this island.

This is a half-day exploration of the history, current status and opportunities for local First Nations. In addition, this workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to explore, design and initiate meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and identify key common ground issues, opportunities for collaboration and respectful relationship building practices.

This workshop is ideal for delegates whose local governments or organizations are working alongside First Nations and/or are interested in enhancing relations and nurturing opportunities and potential within cross-cultural collaborations and decision-making.

Study Tour of the North Island Hospitals Project and the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre
8:30-11:30 am, Friday, April 10, 2015
Cost:  $15

The $606.2M North Island Hospitals Project (NIHP) is the largest project that Island Health (VIHA) has undertaken to-date.  This Public-Private Partnership approach will provide new and expanded infrastructure that will ensure enhanced quality and safety, greater efficiency, flexibility, adaptability, and maximum recruitment and retention potential for Island Health.  The end result will benefit all residents of North Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and Canada. The two new hospitals are not distinct projects, but rather a two hospital solution to acute care renewal with a foundation project goal of:  One Healthcare Team, Two Campuses.

The NIH project represents the second Public-Private Partnership taken on by Island Health during the past few years.  The first successful Island Health PPP was the completion of the Patient Care Centre at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia.  Island Health is committed to the successful completion of the design and construction of the North Island Hospitals project in 2017 and the thirty year operations agreement with our Tandem Health Partners.

The North Island Hospitals Project (NIHP) is responsible for the building of a new $331.7 million, 153-bed Comox Valley Hospital and a new $274.5 million, 95-bed Campbell River Hospital, both slated for completion in late 2017.

Along with major innovations in building design and technology, the project is also unique in the efforts placed on community consultation and information sharing through quarterly community information sessions, the formation of a Public-Patient Advisory Committee and design team consultation with clinical user groups.  NIHP has been recognized by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships for innovation and excellence in public-private partnerships receiving the Silver Award for Infrastructure Sustainability.  Nearly 90% of the total employment on both sites to date is from Vancouver Island.

Chief Project Officer Tom Sparrow will provide the delegates with personal insight and lessons learned showcasing some of the unique demands placed on the municipalities and outline the processes to assist municipal leaders and staff with regards to effectively managing those demands when large infrastructure projects of this scope and magnitude are introduced into their communities.

The delegates will be able to watch construction taking place at the Comox Valley Hospital site from the safety of their tour bus and see/speak directly with clinical and technical project team representatives about key clinical rooms that are in the final stages of design.

Since opening in 2011, the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre in the Comox Valley has been welcoming locals and visitors alike.  Delegates will tour the award-winning facility and exhibits.

Tom Sparrow Biography

Tom Sparrow is the Chief Project Officer for the North Island Hospitals Project.  Mr. Sparrow has a long history of success and experience working as the project lead for many government projects including most recently as Project Director for the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa project, and as Chief Project Officer for the Iqaluit International Airport Improvement Project for Partnerships BC.

Mr. Sparrow is a Certified Project Manager (PMP), holds an MSc. Health Information Sciences from the University of Victoria and an MBA from Athabasca University. He has also been actively involved with the Project Management Institute and lectures at the University of Victoria.