The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project (CDHRP) has achieved Salmon-Safe certification, marking a milestone as the first hospital in B.C. to achieve this recognition.
The certification recognizes excellent efforts to reduce water use, treat stormwater and enhance and protect important wetland ecosystems. The project team includes EllisDon and Parkin Architects.
Located on the traditional territory of Cowichan Tribes, the site is located within the S’amunu watershed, which supports populations of coho and chum salmon.
Salmon-Safe accreditation recognizes design firms, developers and construction managers’ commitment to watershed health. Accredited firms undergo an independent assessment to demonstrate leadership in protecting water quality, managing stormwater, and supporting healthy ecosystems.
The Salmon-Safe team commended the CDHRP for several key initiatives including:
- Extensive Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) implemented on-site to maximize infiltration, including bioretention swales, rain gardens, a green roof and enhanced wetlands
- Landscaped and garden areas designed to aid in water infiltration
- On-site treatment of all stormwater
- Use of native and drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and other plants
- A high-efficiency irrigation system equipped with a rain sensor
In total, 42 per cent of the site will be landscaped, featuring a therapeutic garden, - Indigenous plants, accessible wellness paths with a forest meditation loop, wetland enhancements, rain gardens, and conserved natural forest stands.
In addition to obtaining Salmon-Safe certification, the site achieved Zero Carbon Building Design certification and is targeting LEED Gold v4. It will be the first fully electric hospital in British Columbia and will have solar panels installed on the roof to provide some renewable energy. Compared to the current Cowichan District Hospital, it is projected to be 30 per cent more energy efficient, 60 per cent more water efficient, and will achieve a 75 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
