Van Popta Slams NDP for Delaying Nanaimo Patient Tower Despite Local Support and Unprecedented Funding Offers

Official Opposition Critic for Infrastructure and Construction, Misty Van Popta, is calling out the BC NDP government for dragging its feet on the critical Nanaimo patient tower project — even after local partners offered to pay upfront to move it forward.

The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD) has stepped up in an unprecedented way, offering to fully fund the business plan for the new patient tower and cardiac catheterization lab. This offer, sent to Premier David Eby and Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma in February, removes the last financial barrier to advancing the project — yet the province still hasn’t moved forward. 

“It is unacceptable that local governments and private partners get to a point where they feel they have to front the bill just to get vital health infrastructure off the ground. All while this NDP government refuses to act,” said Van Popta.

“This project is shovel-worthy and shovel-ready. What’s this government waiting for?”

The proposed patient tower, first announced by Premier Eby ahead of the 2024 election, is still stuck in the early project planning stage. Meanwhile, the people of Nanaimo are left waiting for better hospital care, including desperately needed cardiac services.

“This is exactly why trust in government is eroding,” added Van Popta.

“Communities are showing leadership, but the NDP is committed to breaking their promises.”

The business case is the next official step in BC’s infrastructure process, but it requires provincial approval to proceed. Despite receiving the NRHD’s letter weeks ago, the Minister of Infrastructure has only said the province is “preparing a response.”

“If this government can’t even approve a business plan when someone else is paying for it, how can they be trusted to deliver major infrastructure anywhere in BC?” Van Popta concluded.

“It's time for action, not more empty statements.”