Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford

Project Overview

Located in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, this P3 project involved the design, construction, financing, and facilities management of a combined mental health and correctional facility. The facility is purpose-built to support patients with complex mental health needs, including individuals requiring secure care within a controlled environment.

Spanning approximately 407,000 square feet, the hospital replaces an existing facility with a modern, integrated environment that brings together clinical care, rehabilitation, and secure accommodation. The building is designed to support a range of treatment pathways, including short- and long-term rehabilitation, forensic care, outpatient assessment, and specialized psychosocial programs.

Design and Construction

The facility includes 284 beds, with a portion dedicated to secure patient populations requiring enhanced supervision and controlled access. The design reflects a balance between clinical functionality and therapeutic intent, creating an environment that supports recovery while meeting the operational requirements of a secure healthcare setting.

Lean design principles were applied throughout the project to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient and staff experience. The layout integrates treatment spaces, support areas, and circulation paths in a way that promotes both safety and accessibility, with spaces that can flex between secure and non-secure patient groups.

In addition to the main hospital, three community reintegration units were constructed adjacent to the primary facility. These smaller, residential-style buildings are designed to support patients transitioning back into the community, offering a more independent living environment while maintaining access to care and support services.

Operational Environment

The facility is designed to operate at the intersection of healthcare and security, requiring careful coordination of clinical, operational, and control systems. Secure zones, controlled access points, and staff oversight are integrated into the building design to support both patient safety and program delivery.

At the same time, the environment is intentionally designed to feel supportive rather than institutional. Access to natural light, residential elements within the reintegration units, and thoughtful spatial planning contribute to a setting that promotes rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Outcome

The Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford delivers a purpose-built facility that integrates mental health care and secure services within a single, cohesive environment. By aligning clinical requirements with operational needs, the project supports improved patient outcomes while strengthening the province’s capacity to provide specialized care.

Financing

Graham Capital was the finance lead for this project and a 50% equity partner. The Graham-led finance team negotiated a very attractive, well above market rate on the security deposit note which helped to mitigate negative carry and aided Graham in structuring the most competitive financial solution that provided value for money for the taxpayers of Saskatchewan. The types of financing included equity financing and long-term debt in combination with the authority’s funding. The project closed in August 2015 and reflects Graham’s ability to secure financing in turbulent financial markets. The structured financing solution demonstrated clear value for money, achieving cost savings to taxpayers of approximately $90 million (18%).

Defence & Security: Purpose-Built, Operationally Focused Environments (INSIGHTS article)