The new Dawson Creek and District Hospital continues to transform our skyline – and the latest milestone is hard to miss. Visible from most locations within the city, the reveal of the Tuscan Sun ACM panels adds a warm, golden hue to the building’s exterior.

The warm Tuscan Sun panels complete the hospital’s bold and meaningful exterior colour palette. This vibrant colour isn’t just for looks – it was chosen to complement the City of Dawson Creek’s logo and create a welcoming landmark for patients, families, and visitors. Positioned at the main entrance, the golden panels will help guide people to care while providing a striking contrast to the large “H” sign that will soon be installed.

WATCH: Video of the Tuscan Sun ACM panel reveal

The building now has its full, vibrant look which reflects the beauty and identity of our region:

• Ocean Blue = the vast Peace Region sky
• Lagoon = the northern lights dancing above us
• Tuscan Sun = Dawson Creek pride and a bright beacon for health care

As one of the tallest structures in Dawson Creek, the hospital’s exterior is a symbol of progress, care, and community pride.

Updated in December 2025 with new information.

Many residents have been wondering what will happen to the current Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) once the new hospital opens.

Health care services will continue to be delivered at the current hospital while construction is underway on the new hospital – which is expected to be open, operational and ready for patients in Spring 2027.

Now, why are we building a new hospital instead of redeveloping the current one?

The current DCDH was built in 1960 in accordance with clinical health care services and building code standards at the time. Since then, standards have continuously evolved and improved.

Recognizing these changes, the current hospital doesn’t align with current clinical and patient care standards and doesn’t comply with the current BC Building Code. These factors have an impact on patient and family experiences and the delivery of high-quality and efficient care.

There’s also more than what meets the eye when it comes to older buildings such as this. The infrastructure may appear to be in good standing, but it’s what you can’t see that contributes significantly to the need to replace the facility. The current facility has a poor Facility Condition Index, and its age causes deficiencies such as capacity constraints and functional issues.

While some may wonder if the newer section of the current hospital could be retained, this is not feasible. The newer section also does not meet today’s clinical and patient care standards and cannot operate independently. It relies heavily on the older portion of the building for essential mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Key services such as the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, and Laboratory are interconnected with systems housed in the older section. There is no practical way to sustain only one part of the building without the supporting infrastructure.

The new hospital is going to be a brand-new state-of-the-art facility that is built in compliance with national clinical and patient care standards as well as current design and construction codes.

Northern Health will continue to upgrade equipment and assets in the current hospital to ensure that we’re providing quality health care. Some of the newer equipment and assets that are in good working order will be moved into the new facility during the transition process.

Once the new hospital is open and operational, the current hospital will become inactive, be emptied out and then removed. This step is part of the approved Business Plan, which includes a full abatement process before demolition. Abatement is necessary because older buildings often contain hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead. These materials must be safely removed to protect workers, the community, and the environment, and to ensure the site meets all safety and environmental standards before redevelopment.

In early 2026, Northern Health intends to hire a consultant to prepare materials related to the abatement and demolition of the existing hospital using a procurement process. Following that, a tender process will be held to engage a construction firm to undertake the scope of work. The abatement and demolition of the existing hospital is targeted to take place once the new hospital is open and operational in Spring 2027.

After abatement and removal of the existing facility, the site will be cleared and turned back into developable land for potential future use .

We also acknowledge the tremendous community support over the past years through the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation who support the fundraising and purchasing of equipment required to improve and enhance health care services within the community.

We recognize that the current hospital has played a significant role in the lives of many staff and residents over the past 60+ years. There are ample memories and stories to be shared and there will be opportunities share those with us in the future to commemorate its legacy.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for legacy projects to commemorate the current hospital, please email LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

Stay tuned for more information!

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation is thrilled to announce ARC Resources Ltd. (ARC) as its lead donor in the campaign to bring the first publicly funded MRI machine to the South Peace.

Thanks to a generous contribution of $1.5 million, half of the campaign total, from ARC Resources Ltd., the Foundation is one step closer to reaching its $3 million fundraising goal. This donation marks a pivotal moment in the campaign and reflects the deep commitment of local champions to improving health care access in our region.

“We are incredibly grateful for the early support from ARC Resources,” said Brette Madden, President of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation. “From the beginning, we knew this goal was ambitious – but essential. ARC’s role in championing this project highlights just how important it is to bring an MRI to the new Dawson Creek Hospital and the difference it will make for our community.”

“We’re proud to be a part of this landmark campaign to enhance access to advanced healthcare in our province,” said Sean Calder, ARC’s Vice President, Field Operations. “Having a new healthcare hub that’s equipped with the latest technology in Dawson Creek will ensure patients can receive timely, high-quality care when they need it – all while staying close to home.”

The MRI will be installed in the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital, a $590-million facility funded by Northern Health and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. The hospital will serve as a modern health care hub for the entire Northeast.

The Foundation continues to seek support from donors across the region to complete this vital campaign.

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a bold and transformative campaign to raise $3 million to bring the first community-driven and publicly funded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the South Peace region.

The campaign, titled “Create a Clear Picture”, will support the purchase of a full body MRI to be installed in the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital, which will be open for patients in Spring 2027.

This landmark initiative reflects the collective efforts and support of residents, organizations, and government partners. This new MRI service will ensure that residents have access to state-of-the-art, publicly funded medical imaging locally, therefore reducing wait times, improving health outcomes, and helping patients avoid long and costly trips to access care elsewhere.

“Having a clear picture—at the right time—is vital for every patient and their family,” said Brette Madden, Chair of the Foundation. “This campaign is about ensuring our community receives the care it deserves, right here at home.”

In addition to improving patient care, the addition of an MRI in the new hospital will play a critical role in attracting and retaining physicians and health care professionals in the South Peace. Access to modern diagnostic tools is a key factor in rural recruitment, and an MRI will help ensure that Dawson Creek remains a competitive and appealing place for health care professionals to start and build their careers.

“Investing in an MRI is vital for our patients,” said Dr. Remi Oyedeji, Chief of Staff at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital. “It will save lives, alleviate pain and anxiety related to travelling for this modality, and help ensure that health care professionals come and stay in our community.”

The new Dawson Creek and District Hospital represents a $590-million investment into health care services in the South Peace and is funded by Northern Health and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. This brand new, state-of-the-art facility will address current and future health and patient care needs and create a model of excellence in health care that incorporates modern best practices and standards. Northern Health has committed $4 million for costs to build the specialized MRI suite and $1.5 million annually for staffing and maintenance costs.

The Foundation invites individuals, businesses, and community partners to join this effort and help create a healthier future for all.

Together, we can Create a Clear Picture.

Project status update

Where we’re at

Construction activities are continuing to advance steadily. Interior rough-ins have been completed on Levels 1 and 2, and are progressing on Levels 0, 3, and in the mechanical and electrical rooms. Drywalling, mudding, and taping are actively progressing across all levels, while painting, wall protection, and flooring installations are underway on Levels 1 and 2.

The building envelope continues to take shape with brick veneer, cladding, and ACM panel installation well underway. Site works have also seen significant progress with the south roadway and parking lot asphalt, curb, and gutters now complete.

What’s next

Looking ahead on the exterior, the remaining curb and gutter work and asphalt paving for the north roadway will be completed by November. This will mark the end of paving activities for the year, with final paving and landscaping scheduled to resume in the spring. Work on the exterior envelope will continue through February with cladding progressing throughout the winter months.

On the interior, finishing will continue to ramp up with the installation of fixtures and final finishes, and most drywall work is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The focus will shift to getting the main electrical systems operational, with the goal of having the permanent power energized by the end of the year. Hydronic lines will also begin to be flushed which is a key step in preparing for commissioning activities, which will begin in January with the start-up of the air handling units

Fun facts! Did you know?

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is a major infrastructure project, and its scale can be better appreciated when compared to familiar landmarks and distances in the Peace Region:

• The hospital includes 710 km of branch wiring – which is nearly one-third of the entire Alaska Highway stretching from Dawson Creek to Alaska.
  1. That same wiring could wrap the ice surface at the Ovintiv Events Centre over 4,000 times.
  2. Its total weight of 21,000 kg is equivalent to about 30 adult bison, a species native to the Peace Region.
• The 21 km of feeder wiring is about the driving distance from Dawson Creek to Rolla.
  1. That feeder wiring also equals 105 laps around the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre’s 200m indoor track.
• With 10,000 receptacles, the hospital could power every seat in the Ovintiv Events Centre during a sold-out concert, with extras to spare.
• The 405 km of network and low-voltage wiring could stretch along Highway 97 all the way from Dawson Creek to Prince George.
• The 200 km of conduit is equivalent to stacking approximately 1,681 Bear Mountain Wind Park wind turbines end-to-end, each standing about 119 meters tall.
• The 4 km of cable tray is nearly the full length of the Dawson Trail, a 4.5 km community walking path through Kin Park and Rotary Recreation Park.
• The 6,200 light fixtures are enough to install one for every two Dawson Creek residents.

Construction progress photos

Operational readiness and transition planning

Monthly departmental workplan meetings were completed with many programs continuing strong progress defining processes, establishing workflows, and collaborating with other teams to support operational planning.

The third Operational Readiness Committee (ORC) meeting was held August, focusing on discussions around the patient wandering and code white systems, while also addressing risks, reviewing the change request process, and coordinating readiness activities.

Clinical Workshops were conducted the week of Thanksgiving, concentrating on establishing the impact of space and technology changes to key areas such as emergency preparedness, models of care, Vocera communications, building access, and medication administration. Outputs of these sessions will inform policy updates and support staff training and simulation activities planned for next year.

The fourth ORC meeting was held in October, focusing on updates regarding the SaferCare initiative and IMIT scope, while also addressing risks, change requests, and coordination of overall readiness activities.

Engagement initiatives

Cree and Dane-Zaa languages to be featured on select wayfinding signage

We’re proud to share a meaningful milestone in our journey toward truth and reconciliation and cultural safety at the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital. In collaboration with Treaty 8 First Nations, we underwent a thoughtful engagement process to honour their cultural heritage in the new facility. As a result, the Cree and Dane-z̲aa languages will be featured on select wayfinding signage, including department entrances and key destinations.

These languages will also be available on digital wayfinding kiosks, ensuring accessibility beyond physical signage. A dedicated welcome wall in the hospital’s main lobby will celebrate the many Indigenous and global languages spoken in our region – serving as a visual reminder of our shared commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural safety.

This work reflects the power of partnership and we are grateful to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who helped shape a facility that reflects the people it serves. The integration of the Cree and Dane-Zaa languages is more than signage – it’s a step toward healing, recognition, and respect.

Mock-up #4: Refining patient care spaces through clinical engagement

We recently completed our fourth mock-up session – this time inside the new hospital! The session focused on a typical medical/surgical inpatient room and a bariatric inpatient room. These hands-on mock-ups allow clinical teams to experience the space and provide real-time feedback before construction is finalized. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues early and ensures the final design supports both operational efficiency and patient-centered care.

Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair

On September 25, we attended the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair – an event that brought together community members, health professionals, and service providers in a celebration of wellness and connection. We shared updates on the hospital’s culturally inclusive design such as the spiritual room, Indigenous language signage, and the family gathering space. We also distributed employment flyers and had meaningful conversations about future job opportunities. These conversations are vital to ensuring the hospital becomes a place where Indigenous staff, patients, and families feel welcomed, respected, and represented.

Northern Lights College Community Fair

On September 17, we participated in Northern Lights College’s Annual Community Fair at the Dawson Creek campus. With the new hospital being built nearby, the event was a great opportunity to connect with students – especially those pursuing careers in health care. Many nursing students expressed excitement about joining the hospital’s future workforce as we approach our opening in early 2027.

Minister of Health Josie Osborne visits Northeast BC

From August 27–29, Minister of Health Josie Osborne toured Northeast BC to engage with health care professionals and community leaders. During her visit to Dawson Creek, she toured the new hospital site and met with Northern Health Relational Security Officers, Dawson Creek Mayor and Council, and MLA Larry Neufeld. The visit highlighted the hospital’s expanded services and its role in strengthening regional health care.

Other exciting news

Local artists bring the Peace Region to life in the new hospital

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is more than just a building – it's a reflection of the land, people, and stories that make our region so special. Through a community call-out, we selected stunning images from local photographers that will be featured as custom wall graphics throughout the facility. These works capture the spirit of Northern BC – from the resilience of the Peace River to the magic of the northern lights, and the quiet beauty of places like Muncho Lake and Dinosaur Lake.

Meet the artists behind the lens – including Bethany-Cerise Buchamer, Darcy Shawchek, Tracy Rondeau, Cameron Alexander, Kevin Xu, Aaron Patrimonio, Don Pettit, and Rick Phillips – and explore how their images will help create a welcoming, healing space for patients, families, and staff.

Retail Food and Beverage Services Opportunity at the New Hospital

Northern Health Authority is conducting an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the opportunity to operate the café space in the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

The successful contractor will provide retail food and beverage services to staff, visitors and the public in the new hospital. The contractor will not be responsible for providing meals for patients.

The café space is approximately 75 square metres (800 square feet) and will operate as a kiosk-style offering, with food prepared off-site and heated on-site. Examples of food offerings include coffee, ready-to-eat meals such as soup, sandwiches, salads, tea, etc. The food offerings shall include a variety of fresh, affordable and healthy food items for a broad range of customer needs.

Interested? Applicants are required to submit a proposal following the instructions outlined in the Expression of Interest - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital document.

You can also access and view the opportunity on BC Bid: BC Bid - Expression of Interest - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital

Featured stories:

• The artists behind the images featured throughout the new hospital
• Community Connections: September Engagement Highlights
• Integrating the Cree and Dane-zaa languages into wayfinding signage in the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital
• Minister of Health Josie Osborne visits Northeast BC
• Mock-up #4: Refining patient care spaces through clinical engagement
• A Project Update: July 2025
• FAQ: What is Northern Health doing to recruit and retain staff for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital?
• Quarterly Update - July 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of September 30, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of August 30, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of July 31, 2025 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - September 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - August 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - July 2025 [VIDEO]

Northern Health Authority is conducting an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to advertise the upcoming opportunity to operate the café space in the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital and assess the level of market interest. This EOI invites interested parties to submit proposals to express interest in providing retail food services to staff, visitors and the public at the Hospital.

The successful contractor will provide retail food and beverage services to staff, visitors, and the public in the new hospital. The contractor will not be responsible for providing meals for patients.

The café space is approximately 75 square metres (800 square feet) and will operate as a kiosk-style offering, with food prepared off-site and heated on-site. Examples of food offerings include coffee, ready-to-eat meals such as soup, sandwiches, salads, tea, etc. The food offerings shall include a variety of fresh, affordable and healthy food items for a broad range of customer needs.

Interested? Applicants are required to submit a proposal following the instructions outlined in the Expression of Interest - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital document.

You can also access and view the opportunity on BC Bid: BC Bid - Expression of Interest - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is more than a place of healing – it’s a reflection of the land, people, and stories that make the Peace Region so special. As part of our community engagement efforts, we recently launched a call-out seeking local and regional images to be used on custom graphics that will be displayed throughout the facility. These images are more than decoration – they are windows into the lives and landscapes of Northern BC.

Meet the artists whose images will help create a welcoming, comforting environment for patients, families, and staff.

Bethany-Cerise Buchamer

Bethany-Cerise Buchamer has called the Peace Region home since the early 2000s. She is a mother to several children born in the region and she is grateful for being able to build deep connections with the land and its people throughout the years. Her photography is rooted in emotion and place, capturing the quiet strength and beauty of the Peace River Valley.

Her featured image is of the Peace River and was taken beside the Site C spillway. It is a powerful metaphor for resilience. It speaks to the courage required to navigate life’s turbulent waters and the promise of calm that lies beyond.

“Even the strongest currents cannot anchor my soul, for beyond the turbulence lie gentle new beginnings.”

Bethany’s work is a tribute to the healing power of nature and the importance of community. She is honored that her artwork will help create a welcoming environment for patients, families, and staff and contributes to a space that will support others in their own journeys of recovery and renewal.Level 1 - Registration Kiosks
Peace River beside the Site C spillwayDarcy Shawchek

Darcy Shawchek’s artistic journey began with a second-hand film camera purchased in Fort St. John in 1996. That camera sparked a passion for chasing night sky, storms, and sunsets while capturing the drama of the Peace Region’s skies. Though he lost his early work to theft in 2002, his love for photography endured. In 2013, a digital camera gifted by his family reignited his creative fire.

Darcy’s image “Roy’s Potato Patch” is deeply personal. Taken along the Peace River near the mouth of the Kiskatinaw River during a northern lights solar storm, it shows a field planted by his grandfather – a place of abundance, tradition, and family memory.

“It is a very special place. There were never not enough potatoes and there were always some left over at the end of the year. They were the best potatoes.”

His second image of a sunflower patch is a celebration of serendipity – being in the right place at the right time. Darcy’s work is infused with nostalgia and reverence for the land, making it a perfect fit for a space dedicated to care and reflection.

Level 1 - Medical Imaging Waiting Room
Along the Peace River at the mouth of the Kiskatinaw RiverLevel 2 - Maternity Unit Waiting Area
The right place, at the right timeTracy Rondeau

Tracy Rondeau lives in Fort Nelson, BC, and though she wasn’t born there, the region has captured her heart. Photography became a way for her to slow down and appreciate the world around her – especially during quiet moments with her family in nature.

Her first image, taken at a rest area on Highway 29 near Hudson’s Hope, shows the Peace River before the Site C Dam was completed. It’s a poignant reminder of how landscapes change and how photography can preserve memory.

“This photo was taken before that part of the river was flooded. I feel lucky to have a photo that holds that moment.”

Her second image was taken just off the Alaska Highway, north of Fort Nelson and was overlooking the creek at the bottom of Babba Canyon at Stone Mountain Provincial Park. It captures a spontaneous stop with her husband and daughter and is a testament to the beauty of unplanned moments and the joy of simply being present.

Tracy is honored to be part of this initiative alongside so many other talented artists. She hopes her photos bring comfort or familiarity to those who spend time in the space, even if it’s a small reminder that the beauty around us can make a tough day feel a little lighter.
Level 1 - Laboratory Waiting Area
Rest area on Highway 29 near Hudson's HopeLevel 1 - Visiting Specialists Waiting Area
Stone Mountain Provincial Park

Cameron Alexander

Cameron Alexander grew up just outside Fort St. John and has always been drawn to adventure and the outdoors. His photography journey began a decade ago with a DSLR camera and countless hours spent exploring nature with his best friend.

His featured image, taken on the Sukunka Forest Service Road during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, captures the breathtaking Sukunka Valley. It was taken during a week-long escape into the woods – a time of reflection and reconnection.

“It reminds me to take a breath every once in a while, look around, and enjoy myself.”

Cameron’s work is rooted in exploration and perspective. He believes every photographer brings a unique lens to the world, and he’s excited to share his with those who use and visit the new hospital.

Level 3 - Mental Health Patient Dining/Lounge
Sukunka Valley Service Road

Kevin Xu

Kevin Xu has spent over a decade capturing the landscapes and wildlife of the Canadian North. His journey began in the High Arctic, driven by a desire to share its beauty with friends in the south. After moving to Fort Nelson, he fell in love with the region’s natural wonders. Now living in Inuvik, Kevin still makes annual drives along the Alaska Highway to reconnect with Northern BC.

His first image is of Muncho Lake, which is a beloved camping spot for Fort Nelson locals. It’s a place of peace and escape – a scenic and peaceful retreat where you can unwind over the weekend and leave your worries behind.

His second image of Sikanni Chief Falls is a hidden gem in Northern BC. Reaching this spot is part of the adventure – requiring a 4x4 vehicle, good tires, and an attitude for exploration. But the best part? You're rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking view.

“I genuinely look forward to bringing some positivity and calm to a time that can often feel scary and overwhelming.”

Kevin’s work brings the wild serenity of Northern BC into the new hospital, offering patients and visitors a visual breath of fresh air.

Level 1 - Emergency Department Waiting Room
Muncho Lake

Level 1 - Gift Shop
Sikanni Chief FallsAaron Patrimonio

Aaron Patrimonio’s passion for photography began in 2013 when he moved to the Middle East for work. He immersed himself in the craft, taking both basic and advanced photography courses and eventually turning his hobby into a professional pursuit. By 2016, Aaron was capturing events and onsite projects and entering photography competitions – winning numerous awards both locally and internationally.

Aaron moved to Dawson Creek in 2023 and continued with his photography throughout the Peace Region. His selected image was taken from the 208 Road during sunset and captures the iconic Bear Mountain Wind Park, a landmark that has come to symbolize his new beginning in Canada.

“The view of the Wind Park will always be a landmark for Dawson Creek and to me as a newcomer.”

Aaron is proud to be part of this initiative, which he sees as a meaningful way for artists to share their talents and contribute to a space of healing and inspiration.

Level 2 - Inpatient Unit Family Lounge
Bear Mountain Wind Park

Donald Pettit

Don Pettit is a long-time professional photographer based in Dawson Creek, known for his deep commitment to documenting and preserving the natural beauty of the Peace River Region. His work has been published in several large-format books, including The Peace: An Exploration in Photographs, a national bestseller, and The Peace: A History in Photographs, which was short-listed for a BC Book Prize.

Don’s selected image is a high-resolution panoramic view of the Peace River Valley near Fort St. John, stitched together from multiple photographs. It captures the grandeur of a landscape that has since been dramatically altered by the construction of the Site C dam.

“Just upstream from this photo is the new Site C dam, which has destroyed the Peace River valley for 80 kilometers. I hope my photograph captures at least a hint of the beauty that was lost forever.”

As a naturalist and environmentalist specializing in renewable energy, Don advocates for sustainable alternatives like wind power. He sees this project as a vital opportunity to showcase regional artistry and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems.

Level 1 - Emergency Department Quiet/Bereavement Room
Peace River Valley near Fort St. John

Rick Phillips

Raised and rooted in Northern British Columbia, Rick Phillips has spent most of his life immersed in the landscapes and communities of the North. His passion for photography was sparked in childhood by family members who nurtured his curiosity, eventually transforming it into a lifelong pursuit.

"The North has given me the opportunity, by its people and its beauty, to explore several types of photography."

Rick’s selected image was captured at Dinosaur Lake near Hudson’s Hope, where a calm night and an active sky gave rise to a fleeting but powerful display of the Aurora Borealis – photographed just before sunrise.

Rick is honoured to have his work featured in the new hospital and hopes that all who view the images throughout the space will find comfort, curiosity, and connection in the visual stories they tell.

Level 0 - Morgue Viewing Room
Dinosaur Lake near Hudson's Hope

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project team was proud to participate in two meaningful community events this September – Northern Lights College's Community Fair and the Saulteau First Nations/West Moberly First Nations Health Fair.

These events are important for us to participate in as we continue our commitment to engaging with residents, students, and Indigenous partners as we build a hospital that reflects and serves the region.

Northern Lights College Community Fair – September 17

On September 17, we attended Northern Lights College’s Annual Community Fair at the Dawson Creek campus. With the new hospital being constructed on the corner of the college grounds, this event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with students and share information about the new facility.

We engaged with numerous students interested in careers in health care, offering insights into the wide range of employment opportunities that will be available as the hospital approaches its opening in early 2027. Great conversations were had with nursing students who are expected to graduate within the next year – many of whom expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the hospital’s future workforce.

Saulteau First Nations Health Fair – September 25

On September 25, representatives from the DCDH Project Team and Northern Health Indigenous Health had the opportunity to participate in the Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair, an event that brought together community members, health professionals, and service providers in a celebration of wellness and connection.

We shared updates on how the new hospital is being designed and built with cultural inclusion and respect at its core. Key features of the new hospital such as a spiritual room for ceremonies, Indigenous language signage, and a family gathering space were highlighted as examples of the project's commitment to honoring the traditions and culture of the Treaty 8 First Nations.

The event also provided an opportunity to distribute employment flyers and speak with community members about future job opportunities at the hospital. These conversations are vital to ensuring the hospital becomes a place where Indigenous staff, patients, and families feel welcomed, respected, and represented.

Attendees also had an opportunity to engage with Stacy Wheeler, Indigenous Care Coordinator at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital to learn how she can support them on their health care journey when they come to the hospital to receive care.

Pictured from left to right: Stacy Wheeler, Indigenous Care Coordinator; Jennifer Dunn, DCDHRP Clinical Lead; Ashley Pannozzo, DCDHRP Community Engagement & Communications Liaison

We are excited to share that the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project has achieved a meaningful milestone in our journey toward cultural safety and inclusivity.

In collaboration with the Treaty 8 First Nations, we explored how the new hospital could reflect and honour the cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories it resides on and completed a thoughtful engagement process to integrate local Indigenous languages into the new facility.

As a result, the Cree and Dane-z̲aa languages will be integrated into the new hospital on select wayfinding signage including department entrance signs as well as key destination, room, and amenity signs.

Indigenous languages will also be integrated into the digital wayfinding kiosks offering an inclusive and accessible experience without the limitations of physical signage.

In addition, a dedicated welcome wall located in the main lobby of the new hospital will celebrate the diversity of our region by showcasing the many Indigenous and global languages spoken in our region. This wall will serve as a visual reminder of our shared commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural safety.

One of the core values of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project is providing culturally safe care to all who use the new facility. Language inclusion plays a vital role in honouring the diverse communities we serve, and we committed to ensuring it was done in an intentional and thoughtful way.

Our goal is to create a welcoming and respectful environment for Indigenous patients, families, visitors, and staff. We also want to ensure that the signage system remains inclusive and respectful of cultural diversity, while still fulfilling its core purpose: to guide and orient all users clearly, safely, and effectively.

This initiative is in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly those that call on health care systems to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and to provide culturally safe care. By integrating Indigenous languages into the hospital environment, we are taking a meaningful step toward reconciliation – acknowledging the importance of language in identity, healing, and cultural continuity.

This work is a testament to the power of partnership and the importance of listening to community voices. We are grateful to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who generously shared their time, wisdom, and traditional languages with us to help create a new facility that reflects the people it serves.

The integration of Indigenous languages is more than signage – it’s a step toward healing, recognition, and respect. We look forward to welcoming everyone into a hospital that honours the past, embraces the present, and builds a more inclusive future.

From August 27 to 29, 2025, Minister of Health Josie Osborne conducted a multi-day tour in Northeast British Columbia focused on health care infrastructure and community engagement. She engaged with health care professionals as well as Indigenous, municipal, and regional leaders.

Minister Osborne began in Fort St. John with a tour of the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa and a meeting with BC Emergency Health Services.

Minister Osborne then travelled to Dawson Creek for a tour of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital construction site – which is a $590 million investment into health care in the region. The tour highlighted the improvements and expansion of services and programming, including the new emergency department, inpatient unit, and maternity unit. While in Dawson Creek, she also held meetings with local Northern Health Relational Security Officers, Dawson Creek Mayor and Council, and MLA Larry Neufeld.

Minister Osborne then travelled to Tumbler Ridge to meet with Mayor and Council and tour the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre.

In Chetwynd, Minister Osborne visited the Mîýomâcihêwi Kamik (Northern Nations Wellness Centre) and the Chetwynd Hospital and Health Center as well as met with the Mayor of Chetwynd and representatives from Saulteau First Nations.

The final day included a tour of the Hudson’s Hope Health Centre and meetings with the Mayors of Hudson’s Hope and Fort St. John

Minister Osborne’s visit to the Northeast reflected the province’s commitment to strengthening rural health care, supporting community-led initiatives, and engaging directly with those shaping the future of health services in the North.