The future of healthcare infrastructure in Cape Breton is bright: Women in Engineering celebrated

Earlier this week International Women in Engineering Day was celebrated with members of the CBRM Healthcare Redevelopment Project team, which is helping shape the future of healthcare infrastructure in their community. 

Leanne Stone is an industrial engineer, P.Eng., who received her degree from Dalhousie University. She has more than 15 years of experience working in healthcare with Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre and has been with the project since it was announced in 2018. 

Leanne works with architects, contractors and frontline staff to determine space requirements, furniture, equipment and other essential elements to help the new spaces function for patients and staff. 

“The project has been a unique opportunity to help shape the long-term vision for healthcare in Cape Breton by working alongside staff, physicians and the community to bring that vision to life,” she explains. “As an industrial engineer working on new hospital builds, I look closely at designs, workflows and how resources are used to make sure everything runs smoothly. Our focus is on creating modern, practical spaces that help clinical teams provide the best possible care.” 

Lindsay Hawco is the redevelopment team’s manager of clinical equipment. She works closely with clinical teams to support them with selecting and planning for the installation of clinical equipment in the new facilities. 

As an electrical engineer, Lindsay has a Bachelor of Engineering from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science from Cape Breton University. Prior to joining the redevelopment team in March 2025, Lindsay worked as part of the electrical team at Dillion Consulting. 

“I wanted to join the redevelopment team to be part of a project that will provide a long-lasting impact on the community,” says Lindsay. 

Envirnmental engineer Madison LeVatte is the project manager for the new Clinical Services Buildiong (CSB) at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. The CSB includes the new emergency department, critical care, inpatient beds, surgical suites, cardiac catheterization lab as well as family and newborn services. Her role involves overseeing the various aspects of the construction process in coordination with the project’s construction manager. 

Madison has worked with Build NS since 2020 and joined the project team in 2024. She completed the Bachelor of Engineering program through Cape Breton University and Dalhousie University. 

“I work closely with a wide range of professionals including engineers, architects and other specialists,” she says. “This redevelopment is one of the largest construction projects ever in Cape Breton, and I wanted to contribute to something that will have a lasting impact on healthcare in the region.” 

Leanne, Lindsay and Madison are not just engineers - they are innovators, problem-solvers, big-picture thinkers and inspiring to others. As we recognize International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate their contributions to one of the most critical fields shaping a brighter future. 

For more information about the redevelopment project, visit: Cape Breton Regional Hospital | Build Nova Scotia | Build Nova Scotia

Photo of (L-R) Yahani Dissanyake, IMIT Project Manager (Software); Leanne Stone, Lead Engineer (Industrial) and Madison LeVatte, Project Manager (Environmental). Missing from photo Lindsay Hawco, Manager of Clinical Equipment (Electrical).