The provincial government has named PLC Contractors West Coast Inc. as the preferred proponent to build the new hospital planned for Burns Lake.

The project to construct a new Lakes District Hospital is expected to cost around $55 million and was officially announced on April 12, 2012. Site preparation work took place last year.

Construction is expected to start soon with an expected completion date of fall 2015. The new facility will include 16 beds and provide acute-care services and diagnostic imaging. There will also be a laboratory and pharmacy on site.

"With the short construction season in the Lakes District region, it is important to maximize the time available for PLC Contractors West Coast Inc. to work on the project," Northern Health chief operating officer Michael McMillan said in a news release. "Selecting our partner in this project before the start of spring means they will be able to prepare to get shovels in the ground once it has thawed."

PLC Contractors West Coast was one of three groups shortlisted for the project and have teamed up with design partner CEI Architecture.

The final cost, which will be determined soon, will be split between the province and the Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.