A new hospital for Weyburn is one step closer.

The Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation announcing via press release Thursday morning a company has been chosen to begin planning a new hospital in Weyburn.

Colliers Project Leaders entered into a contract with the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Monday. The company will handle the project management services to replace acute care beds in Weyburn, as well as oversee the incorporation of existing emergency medical services and community services programs.

The new hospital planned for Weyburn will replace the current General Hospital, the Weyburn Community Services Building, and integrate Weyburn Ambulance Services.

“The hiring of Colliers is an exciting next step for the new Weyburn Hospital,” said City of Weyburn Manager, Mathew Warren in the release. “Colliers will play the lead role in engaging our community in the project and the City of Weyburn is looking forward to working with them throughout the project.”

The Saskatchewan government funds 80 percent of the construction, and the community raises the other 20 percent of the construction cost. The community is also responsible for 100 percent of the cost of new equipment for the hospital.

So far, the WDHF has received more than $22 million in cash and commitments from a number of stakeholders, including the City of Weyburn, surrounding rural municipalities, towns and villages, businesses, community organizations, and individuals.

The SHA noted the new hospital project still requires approval from the Ministry of Health at future stages of the planning process.

In the release, the WDHF added the announcement represents one piece of a long process. There will be a lot of work as the development continues.