The province has hired a Toronto firm to produce a master plan to redevelop the Queen Elizabeth Hospital complex.
Health Minister Leo Glavine says Kasian Architecture has been awarded a $1.9 million contract to come up with a detailed plan to replace the old Victoria General building and expand the Halifax Infirmary by late next year.
The price tag for the whole redevelopment has not been released, but Premier Stephen McNeil has pledged that the entire project would be completed on budget and on time.