$25 million gift for new hospital tower from Paul Myers

People on the North Shore in North Vancouver and in neighboring communities will soon have enhanced access to health care services in the new, modern acute care tower at Lions Gate Hospital, opening soon.

I’m thrilled this new hospital tower is now complete, and families in North Vancouver and beyond will have better access to high-quality healthcare services closer to home,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.

“Our government is making record investments to support growing communities, and we’re committed to delivering more hospitals, healthcare centers, and other important infrastructure.”

The new six-story tower is named after local philanthropist and businessperson Paul Myers. It has eight state-of-the-art operating rooms with a new medical device reprocessing department, as well as a pre-operative and post-operative care area, including anesthesia intervention and isolation rooms. There will be 108 beds in private patient rooms, all with ensuite washrooms.

Vancouver Coastal Health worked in collaboration with Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation advisers on key aspects of the project to honor the host Nations and help create safer, welcoming, and culturally appropriate spaces for Indigenous patients and families.

“It’s terrific news for people living on the North Shore and area that the new patient care tower at Lions Gate Hospital is opening to meet the needs, comfort, and well-being of people receiving care,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By investing in state-of-the-art facilities around B.C., including the new Paul Myers Tower, we are truly investing in better health outcomes for British Columbians. This is part of our commitment to strengthen B.C.’s public healthcare system.”

The acute tower was designed to provide patient—and family-centered care. It features a variety of spaces to support patients, family, and staff well-being, including lounges, a House of Elders office, a sacred space, additional bike storage, and a rooftop garden with a walking path. Further, innovative technologies and an upgraded nurse call system improve patient experiences and enhance safety for patients and staff.

Construction began in fall 2021. The total capital cost is approximately $325 million. The province, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation share funding.

Paul Myers donated the first $25 million to the foundation’s $100 million campaign.

“We’re excited to care for patients in this new space,” said Jillian Morland, clinical nurse educator, Lions Gate Hospital at Vancouver Coastal Health. “The clinical spaces are larger and designed for flexibility and efficiency to accommodate our teams better. The technology upgrades, such as access to Vocera and Masimo, will enable us to deliver the highest quality care possible.”

Lions Gate Hospital provides a full range of acute-care services and many specialized services. With the 108 beds and eight operating rooms in this new tower, the Hospital will have 329 beds, 10 operating rooms, and various diagnostic services and equipment. The hospital also offers emergency and critical care, maternity, pediatrics, psychiatry, chemotherapy, cardiac care, palliative care, and rehabilitative services.

This hospital will continue to serve patients from the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Sunshine Coast, Bella Bella and Bella Coola on the Central Coast, including the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Lil’wat, N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla’amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa communities.

A one-time plumbing apprentice whose family history on the North Shore dates back 78 years has donated the first $25 million to Lions Gate Hospital.

Keith Plumbing & Heating owner Paul Myers’ substantial donation makes it the largest financial contribution to a hospital foundation in B.C. by an individual, according to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

“I’m just a plumber who worked hard and had some good luck in my life,” said Myers, who bought Keith Plumbing & Heating in the 1960s after apprenticing with the company founded in North Vancouver in 1911.

The West Vancouver businessman also credits smart real-estate investments early on in his life for his success.

“I can’t take it with me,” joked Myers, when asked why he donated.

Lions Gate Hospital Foundation president Judy Savage praised Myers’ philanthropy. “This is certainly a transformational gift. These don’t come along every day.”