UPEI’s new interdisciplinary health education facility opens, setting a new standard for campus collaboration
The University of Prince Edward Island’s new Faculty of Medicine and interdisciplinary health education facility is now open, marking a significant milestone for the province and setting a new benchmark for collaborative project delivery in Canada.
The 138,000-square-foot, $103-million facility—including $30 million in advanced IT infrastructure—represents the largest capital project in UPEI’s history. Construction began in December 2022, and construction is now complete. The first cohort of PEI-based medical learners moved in on August 22. A phased transition plan continues to bring additional tenants and systems online through winter 2026.
“This project is on time, on budget, and fully aligned with the vision we’ve developed together,” said Tim Walker, UPEI’s Vice-President Administration and Finance. “We’re not just building a facility—we’re building best practices for the future. This is a culture that works.”
Canada’s most advanced medical education facility
The new facility is one of the most technologically advanced medical school facilities in the country, featuring the following:
- a provincial collaborative care centre with a capacity for 10,000 patients,
- the provincial adult ADHD clinic,
- an expansion of UPEI’s Doctor of Psychology program,
- dedicated learning spaces for UPEI’s nursing, dietetics and nutrition, paramedicine, psychology, kinesiology programs, and more,
- a world-class Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre that serves learners and clinicians across PEI and beyond.
Paul Young, Chief Operating Officer of the UPEI Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the open and inclusive approach: “We’ve made a deliberate effort to open the doors—literally—to the public, partners, and campus groups throughout the build. This is more than a facility—it’s a place for collaboration.”
A Culture of Collaboration
From design through to completion, UPEI’s Administration and Finance, Facilities Management, IT Systems and Services, and Faculty of Medicine teams have worked with contractors, architects, government, campus members, and health-care stakeholders in a collaborative manner. Guided by a coordinated transition plan developed in partnership with Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, the approach has ensured adherence to accreditation standards, academic continuity, and seamless integration of technology.
The project’s emphasis on transparency has included extensive campus and community consultations, tours, and open dialogue with partners. “This kind of early collaboration is always so important to ensure all voices are heard,” said one campus participant. “That’s precisely what makes it so refreshing and exciting.”
Looking Ahead
With medical learners already in place and services expanding, UPEI’s leadership intends to carry this collaborative approach forward in future capital projects.
“This facility is more than a building—it’s a commitment to innovation, education, and better health care for Islanders,” said Walker.
