FAQ: How has community feedback inspired design?

Community engagement has been a crucial part of the hospital replacement project since day one. Through online engagement, in-person events, and working groups, we gathered community input to ensure the new space would be welcoming and culturally safe for all.

We are so grateful for the feedback we’ve received along the way, and it has shaped how the hospital has been built.

When we asked what would make the hospital culturally safe, you said:

• Representation of the seasons of the year, keeping with Dakelh culture and worldview
• Representation of nature, since it’s healing and welcoming to all cultures
• Windows to the outside to provide natural light and views to the sky, lake, and trees
• Room to come together to drink, eat, celebrate, and grieve as a community
• Fire is important
• Circles on ceiling (representing drums) in spiritual spaces

So, what does that look like in practice?

Representation of the seasons and nature

The final colour palette for the facility showcases the beauty of Fort St. James’ transitioning seasons to identify different areas of the hospital. The hospital features two colour schemes inspired by warmth and frost. Visit our FAQ about the colour palette to learn more.

Other than bringing nature-inspired colours and finishes into the facility, the most exciting way we’re showcasing the natural beauty of Fort St James is by letting it speak for itself…

Windows and natural light

…and the best way to do that? Big, beautiful windows throughout the facility!

Natural light is a priority in the new build, so you’ll notice large windows with picturesque views throughout each department. Virtually all the windows in the new hospital feature views of the mountains, the lake, the forest, or gardens.

Pictured left to right: Hallway in Long Term Care, a window in Primary Care, the front entrance of the hospital, and a patient room in Long Term Care

Room to come together to celebrate and to grieve as a community (fire is important)

Bringing loved ones together is important, so we’ve ensured there’s lots of room to do so in the new hospital and health centre.

A Gathering Space has been created with tables and chairs to gather for meals, card games, or other activities – all built around a standalone fireplace.

In Long Term Care, there is a relaxing lounge in the common area for residents and family to visit each other, featuring a built-in fireplace.

Pictured left to right: Rendering of the Gathering Space, April progress photo of the Gathering Space, Rendering of the common lounge area in Long Term Care

A palliative care suite has been developed that has two separate spaces: one large room for patient care, and another adjoining room where family can stay with a kitchenette. The palliative suite opens onto the Healing Garden where culturally important plants and trees will grow. The doors in the palliative care suite are wide enough that a bed can be wheeled all the way out to enjoy the garden.

Pictured left to right: Family room in palliative care with adjoining patient room, Rendering of the Healing Garden

We understand how hard it can be when a loved one passes on. In the morgue, there is a quiet room where families can gather and take as much time as needed, surrounded by art.

Circles on ceiling and smudging in spiritual spaces

The Spiritual Space is available to all who visit the hospital, and the design has been heavily influenced by the feedback we received. In addition to a large window looking out to gardens, the space features circle shapes on the ceiling and has been constructed to accommodate smudging.

Rather than only adding the circle shapes in the Spiritual Space, lighting resembling drums has been added throughout the facility – especially in Long Term Care.

Pictured left to right: Rendering of the Spiritual Space, April progress photo of the Spiritual Space, Rendering of Long Term Care dining area

Thank you to everyone who has shared their input on the hospital replacement project so far! Soon, we will begin the process to select art for the facility. If you are interested in joining our art committee, please reach out to letstalkSLH@northernhealth.ca.