An audit into the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) has identified a number of construction-related deficiencies and issues.

However, JPH Consulting, which carried out the audit, noted the majority of the items are not unexpected for a project of its size.

They also said the facility’s construction generally meets the requirements set out in the project agreement.

“This facility has had its challenges, many of which have already been resolved at no cost to the people of Saskatchewan,” said Tim Heavenor from Graham Construction.

“We are committed to addressing the remaining issues outlined in the audit report, so that patients and staff can continue to deliver and receive treatment in a modern mental health facility.”

The hospital was built, and is maintained, under a public-private partnership (P3) with Access Prairies Partnership (APP), which includes Graham Construction.

An audit was requested by the Saskatchewan government last October after several issues came to light when the $407-million hospital opened in March 2019.

The first to arise, two months after it opened, was a leaking roof after the modular roof panels shrank, creating gaps and the potential for water infiltration.

APP said the entire roof had to be replaced.

Then in October, reports emerged of potentially high levels of copper or lead in the drinking water.

People were asked not to consume water from the facility’s taps, fountains and sinks and potable water was brought in for drinking and cooking.

Officials said testing at the time determined that water sourced from the City of North Battleford was confirmed to be clean, but they were unable to determine the source of the copper or lead.

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