Project status update

Where we’re at

On the exterior of the building, the roof installation is almost complete, with the majority of it sealed and capped. Cladding and brick installation is progressing, with finish trim and transition pieces being installed throughout. Work is also underway on the canopies for the main and emergency department entrances. Retaining walls for the generator pad and loading dock have been poured and work is underway around the storm tank. Work is also starting on the foundations for the ambulance bay.

Inside the building, majority of the framing is complete on Level 0, 1, and 2. Mechanical room installations are advancing with piping, setting units, boilers, and pumps. Mechanical and electrical rough ins are underway throughout the building along with drywall installation, mudding, and taping in various areas. Window installation on Level 1 and Level 2 is now complete, allowing for natural light to enter.

In the mechanical penthouse, ducting is being installed and the air handling units are being bolted and connected. The layout and installation of hangars is underway as well as preparations for fireproofing.

What’s next

Work on the interior of the building will continue to focus on much of the same over the coming months. As zones are completed and tested, work will transition to finishes and architectural elements, including paint, wall protection, flooring, and millwork. On Level 3, framing is scheduled to be completed by the end of May, with window installation following by the end of July.

Elevator installation is ongoing, with two of them set to be operational for construction use by the end of April. The remaining elevators will become operational after substantial completion in 2026.

Site work is also progressing, with water and storm lines expected to be completed by the end of May. Utility lines (hydro, gas, and telecommunications) are slated for completion in June. Throughout the summer, site landscaping will begin to take shape as work begins on curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and the paving of parking lots and roads.

On the exterior, the installation of aluminum composite metal panels is now underway and the full building envelope is expected to be completed by September.

Fun fact: The colours of the ACM panels are Ocean Blue, Lagoon, and Tuscan Sun.

Ocean Blue was selected to represent the sky and Lagoon was selected to represent the Aurora Borealis.

Tuscan Sun selected to match the City of Dawson Creek’s logo and is intended to act as a visible landmark as one of the tallest structures within the City. It also serves as an indicator for the main entrance and provides a complimentary but contrasting background to the large “H” sign that will be installed.

Photo taken: April 24, 2024

Construction Progress Photos

Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

All operational readiness workplans are now complete, providing a solid foundation for tracking progress and identifying key priorities across workstreams. The first round of status report meetings with workstream leads has been completed. These meetings will continue regularly to support consistent monitoring, risk identification, and alignment throughout the program.

Angus Connect and the Project Management Team have formed the Operational Readiness Committee (ORC), which will provide oversight of the seamless transition from the current to the new hospital. The committee will serve as a forum for sharing updates, surfacing risks, flagging decision points, and coordinating readiness activities across teams.

This marks a significant milestone in the operational readiness journey, and Angus Connect looks forward to continued collaboration in the months ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the current hospital?

Many residents have been wondering what will happen to the current hospital once the new one opens.

The current hospital 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. The current hospital has reached the end of its life and doesn't meet modern standards, so the business plan to replace the old facility with a new one was approved.

Health care services will continue to be delivered at the current hospital while construction is underway on the new hospital. Once the new hospital is open and operational in Spring 2027, the current hospital will become inactive, be emptied out and then removed. The site will be cleared and turned back into developable land for future use.

What new services will be offered to the community?

All services and programs will be expanded and improved in the new hospital. The community will benefit from the addition of 24 acute care inpatient beds – which includes medical/surgical, maternity, mental health, and convalescent care.

There will be 10 new convalescent care beds, which are meant to activate patients who require a longer convalescent period before discharge or before being transferred to another facility or long-term care. The emergency department will be double in size (square footage) and exam/treatment spaces will increase from 10 to 15. The unit also includes 4 new clinical decision unit spaces. There will also be 5 additional spaces in the Visiting Specialist area.

All programming is based on assessment of care needs and existing services within the Health Service Delivery Area and Northern Health’s Strategic Plan.

Will cancer treatments be available in the new hospital?

Yes, the new hospital will have a dedicated Cancer Clinic with 5 treatment spaces, an exam room, an interview room, and a waiting area. The unit is located on Level 1 near the main entrance and adjacent to IV therapy. It's also situated in proximity to the pharmacy, laboratory, emergency department, and medical imaging units for quick access to additional services.

Providing comfort and support for patients in all stages of chemotherapy treatment, from the newly diagnosed to the final outpatient treatment will be a priority.

Highlight: Floor Plans

These plans are approximate and subject to change. Departments and units shown may not be to scale or inclusive of all rooms and spaces within them. They are not a final map of the facility and are for illustrative purposes only.

Engagement Initiatives

Adventures in Health Care Program

We had an amazing time participating in the 2025 Adventures in Health Care program on March 11th. We engaged with 36 enthusiastic high school students and introduced them to diverse roles within the health care sector and the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital Project.

An interactive activity had the students rotate through stations with prompting questions designed to spark discussion and reflection.

We loved sharing our career journeys and inspiring the next generation of health care professionals who will hopefully work in the new hospital once it’s complete!

Open House Recap

On March 12, we hosted a community open house and welcomed over 50 enthusiastic community members to learn about the exciting developments of the new hospital.

Walter Mineault, President of Métis Nation BC, kicked off the event with inspiring remarks, emphasizing the new hospital's crucial role in serving our community and attracting health care professionals.

Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations with project team representatives, discussing various aspects of the new hospital and sharing their hopes and expectations. Common themes included the importance of adequate staffing, a functional emergency department, supportive services for mental health and addictions, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the Open House. Your support and enthusiasm are invaluable.

Featured Stories

• Parking impacts to residential streets due to over 300 workers on site
• DCDH Project & Graham Design-Builders awarded 2024 Revizto Collaborators of the Year Award for Best Use – Healthcare Project
• Open House Recap: Thank you for joining us!
• Exploring Health Care Careers: 2025 Adventures in Health Care Program
• A Project Update: January 2025
• Subscribe to our NEW community newsletter
• DCDH Employment Flyer (NEW) [PDF]
• Local and regional businesses - As of April 1 2025 [PDF]
• Quarterly Updates - September 2024 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of March 31, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of February 28, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of January 31, 2025 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - February 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - January 2025 [VIDEO]

Interested in learning more?

Subscribe to our new community newsletter

Did you receive this newsletter from a colleague, family member, or friend? Want to get on the list to receive future updates directly to your inbox? If so, subscribe to our new community newsletter by completing the form on Let’s Talk DCDH.

Contact us directly

Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

With over 300 workers currently on site, we are aware that there has been an increase in worker vehicles parking on residential streets around the construction site.

Graham Design-Builders and Northern Health are collaborating with Northern Lights College to expand the temporary parking lot located at 116 Ave and 12 St. in order to accommodate more worker vehicles and alleviate the parking congestion in residential areas.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause for local residents. We are committed to resolving the situation as quickly as possible and anticipate doing so within the next two weeks.

In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please email LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca, rather than contacting the City of Dawson Creek.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

These floor plans are approximate and subject to change. Departments and units shown may not be to scale or inclusive of all rooms and spaces. They are not a final map of the facility and are for illustrative purposes only.

We are thrilled to announce that Graham Design-Builders was the recipient of the 2024 Revizto Collaborator of the Year Award for Best Use – Healthcare Project for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) project.

This award was presented to Graham Design-Builders at Revizto’s annual awards ceremony in New York, recognizing the exceptional use of their collaboration platform on this complex health care project.

“At Graham, we continually strive to leverage technology that adds value to our team. Revizto has proven to be an invaluable tool in past projects, and its use on the DCDH project has been no exception to assist all team members in the completion of their work.” – Dave Corcoran, Vice-President Health Care, Graham

Revizto is a powerful BIM collaboration software designed to connect all project members on a single platform. It supports both 2D and 3D workflows, allowing users to manage model-based issues, perform clash detection, and leverage VR for immersive experiences. Revizto integrates with various formats and tools, making it a versatile solution for architects, engineers, contractors, and owners.

On the DCDH project, we are utilizing Revizto to conduct design reviews with all consultants in a single platform, identify clashes on drawings prior to installation, and serve as a single source of truth to track constraints that may impede construction. It has also been an instrumental tool for the coordination efforts required on this complex hospital, from the finalization of design to the pre-fabrication of the multi-trade racks and the tracking of on-site constraints for the construction teams.

We are incredibly proud to be recognized for our exceptional use of Revizto on the DCDH project, especially given the strong competition from other projects across North America. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire project team, consultants, and trade partners.

On March 12, 2025, we hosted a community open house for the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project, welcoming over 50 enthusiastic community members who were interested in learning about the exciting developments of the new hospital. The event was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with project team representatives, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the future of health care in our region.

The President of Métis Nation BC, Walter Mineault, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks. He expressed excitement for the new hospital and emphasized its crucial role in serving our community and attracting health care professionals to the region. His words resonated deeply with everyone present, setting a positive tone for the evening.

Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with meaningful conversations. Attendees engaged with project team representatives, discussing various aspects of the new hospital, and sharing their hopes and expectations. The sense of community and collaboration was noticeable, making the event truly memorable.

We also encouraged attendees to share their thoughts and input about the new hospital with us. Here are the common themes from the engagement boards:

What services/features are most important to you in the new hospital?

The most important services and features highlighted include adequate staffing, which was the most frequently mentioned. Many emphasized the need for enough staff to keep the emergency department open 24 hours a day and to have more doctors available. The importance of a fully functional emergency department was also stressed, along with the need for an ambulance bay capable of handling multiple ambulances at once. Supportive services and programs for mental health and addictions were commonly mentioned, as well as the necessity of having medical imaging to avoid costly private services. Additionally, advocacy for patients who need to travel for care to other communities was another recurring theme.

What is one word to describe how you want the new hospital to look and feel?

Community members want the new hospital to have a modern appearance and a welcoming atmosphere. The need for state-of-the-art facilities was frequently mentioned, along with the importance of having well-marked directions to various departments.

How will the new hospital benefit the community?

The new hospital is expected to provide significant benefits to the community. Many community members highlighted the importance of single-occupancy rooms for improved patient care. The need for more space and beds was frequently mentioned, along with the expectation that the new hospital will help recruit and retain medical staff, indicating its importance to the community.

What are you most excited about with the new hospital?

Community members are most excited about the state-of-the-art medical equipment that the new hospital will have. The prospect of having more doctors who will stay in the community was another common theme. Increased bed capacity and the availability of more medical imaging devices were frequently mentioned. Additionally, there was excitement about not having to travel to Fort St. John for services.

We were also thrilled to have generous door prizes donated by local businesses, including Deep Physio, True North Fitness, South Peace Chiropractic, Dawson Creek Golf & Country Club, City of Dawson Creek, and Dawson Creek Health Food Centre. These contributions added a special touch to the event, and many attendees left with wonderful prizes.In addition, the DCDH Foundation launched a new raffle and the DCDH Auxiliary launched a new fundraising campaign.

The DCDH Foundation’s "Gift of Flight Raffle” offers a chance to win a roundtrip flight for two to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit https://dchospitalfoundation.rafflenexus.com.

The DCDH Auxiliary’s “Sock It Away” campaign is for the purchase of a Tovertafel machine for Rotary Manor. The Tovertafel is a projector that provides a variety of interactive games designed to improve the quality of life for dementia patients. They are fundraising for $19,500 for each machine. As a small group of dedicated volunteers, each and every donation is greatly appreciated. To learn more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078961200394

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who took the time to attend and contribute to the success of the Open House. Your support and enthusiasm are invaluable as we move forward with this important project.

Stay tuned for future events, as we hope to host another open house next year! We look forward to continuing this journey together and making a positive impact on health care in our community.

Members from the DCDH Project Team had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Adventures in Health Care program in Dawson Creek on March 11, 2025.

The Adventures in Health Care program is an initiative designed to introduce high school students to a variety of health care careers and pathways. The program, which engages students through hands-on activities, workshops, and interactions with professionals, aims to inspire the next generation of health care workers.

During the program, 36 students in Grades 10 and 11 from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge had the opportunity to learn about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital project. They met with our project team members and heard firsthand about our career journeys in health care. This interaction provided valuable insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities within the health care sector.

One of the highlights of our involvement was an interactive activity where we divided the students into groups and rotated through various stations. Each station featured prompting questions designed to spark discussion and reflection.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the students' responses:

What qualities make a great health care team?

• Communication: Emphasized repeatedly as good communication is crucial for effective teamwork.
• Teamwork: Highlighted as essential for collaboration and achieving common goals.
• Empathy and Compassion: Important for understanding and caring for patients' needs.
• Patience and Resilience: Necessary for handling stressful situations and maintaining perseverance.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Vital for making informed decisions and finding solutions.
• Leadership and Accountability: Key for guiding teams and taking responsibility.
• Continuous Learning and Growth Mindset: Important for staying updated with new knowledge and technologies.
• Positivity and Motivation: Essential for maintaining a positive work environment and encouraging others.
• Technical Skills and Knowledge: Required for performing tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Adaptability and Open-mindedness: Important for adjusting to new situations and embracing diverse perspectives.

What excites you about working in the new hospital once it’s complete?

• New Technology and Equipment: Enthusiasm for using advanced tools and machines.
• Improved Work Environment: Anticipation of a modern, spacious, and well-designed facility.
• Better Patient Care: Expectation of enhanced resources and spaces to provide superior care.
• Opportunities for Research and Learning: Excitement about exploring new topics and discovering innovations.
• Positive Atmosphere: Looking forward to a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Increased Job Opportunities: Hope for more roles and career growth within the new hospital.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Desire for better connections between departments and teamwork.
• Modern Infrastructure: Appreciation for the updated layout and functionality of the new hospital.

What area of health care are you interested in?

• Nursing: Various specializations including pediatric, neonatal, travel, and operating room nursing.
• Medical Specialties: Interests in fields like anesthesiology, dermatology, cardiology, and radiology.
• Mental Health: Focus on roles such as psychologists, mental health clinicians, and social workers.
• Technical Roles: Interest in positions like lab techs, ultrasound techs, and MRI techs.
• Research and Academia: Aspirations to work in research, medical imaging, and as medical professors.
• Primary Care: Roles such as family doctors and nurse practitioners.

What inspired you to pursue a career in health care?

• Personal Experiences: Many were inspired by family members, personal health struggles, or experiences in hospitals.
• Desire to Help Others: A common motivation to make a difference and support those in need.
• Interest in Science and Medicine: Fascination with the human body, diseases, and medical advancements.
• Influence of Media: Inspiration from TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Good Doctor."
• Financial Stability: Recognition of the good pay and job security in the health care field.
• Community Impact: A drive to improve the well-being of their community and contribute positively.

These themes reflect the values, motivations, and aspirations of individuals in the Adventures in Health Care Program. Our team was thrilled to be part of this initiative, helping to guide and inspire the future of health care. We look forward to participating in this event again next year!

Pictured from left to right: Sarah Wilson, Project Director; Jennifer Dunn, Clinical Lead; Bart DeVries, Project Manager; Shirley Nichol, Operational Readiness Lead; Ramona Daly, Project Coordinator; Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement & Communications Liaison; Bhavesh Joshi, Project Manager; Byron Stewart, Northeast Recruitment & Retention Ambassador.

We are excited to invite you to an Open House event for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) project. This event is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about this important development in our community, engage with our project team, and share your valuable input.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 12
• Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Location: George Dawson Inn & Conference Centre, Hunter Room

During the Open House, you will have the chance to:

• Learn about the new hospital: Discover the vision, design, and key features of the new hospital.
• Engage with project team members: Meet the dedicated team members behind this project, including representatives from Northern Health leadership, the DCDH Project Management Team, Graham Design-Builders, and Angus Connect. This is a great opportunity to discuss the project's progress and future plans.
• Share your thoughts and input: Your feedback is valuable to us. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the project and the future of health care in Dawson Creek.
• Enjoy light snacks and refreshments: We will be providing light snacks and refreshments for your enjoyment.
• Enter the door prize draw: Attendees will have the opportunity to enter their name in a door prize draw for some amazing health and wellness-related prizes generously donated by our community partners.

This is an open invitation for the general public, so please feel free to share this invitation with others who may be interested.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Open House!

Project Status Update

Where we’re at

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital has risen to the skyline and we have said farewell to the two mighty tower cranes – Hank and Dan. These mechanical marvels played a crucial role in the construction of the new hospital and have captured the hearts and imaginations of our community. On November 14, Hank (tower crane #1) was carefully dismantled and removed from the site, followed by Dan (tower crane #2) on December 4. Their departure marks the end of an era but also reminds us of the exciting and quick progress being made.

In addition, the installation of structural steel on Level 3 is now complete as well as majority of the roof installation, with the remainder being complete in March. Work continues on interior framing throughout the building and work is now underway on wall rough ins for mechanical and electrical as well as the installation of windows on Level 2.

What’s next

Over the coming months, the exterior of the building will start looking different each week as work begins on the full building envelope.

Focus on the inside of the building will remain on mechanical and electrical wall rough ins, with the first zones being complete by the end of January. In February, interior drywall installation will begin followed by finishes and architectural items such as paint, millwork, wall protection and flooring. All of the windows on Level 1 and Level 2 will be installed by the end of February, which will allow for more natural light throughout the building.

Elevators are currently being installed and will be operational by the end of March. Mechanical and electrical rooms throughout the building will also start taking shape as more equipment is delivered and installed. The remainder of the multi-trade racks will be installed on Level 0.

Construction Progress Photos

Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

Angus Connect has been actively advancing operational readiness at DCDH in collaboration with the Project Management Office. In September 2024, Phase 1: Project Initiation and Current State Assessment was successfully completed. This phase included capturing Corporate Opening Day Views, conducting a Lessons Learned workshop to gather insights from neighbouring capital projects, and engaging program leaders to understand the current state workflows at DCDH.

In October 2024, Angus Connect launched Phase 2: Development and Implementation, the largest phase in the three-phase approach, which will continue until Substantial Completion (November 2026). Through extensive collaboration with regional and local stakeholders, Angus Connect completed Patient Journey Mapping and Materials Mapping during their second site visit, conducted a Future State Assessment, and developed a comprehensive Change Map to address key changes across people, processes, and technology. Building on the insights from the change map, the development of an orientation, training, and education plan is underway to guide upcoming engagement sessions focused on the facility's start up activities. A Risk Register was also developed to track risks across all disciplines in the replacement project and to support ongoing discussions about mitigation strategies.

Currently, Angus Connect is collaborating with user groups to develop Operational Readiness Workplans. These plans will outline detailed steps for operationalizing each major change in the new facility. Angus Connect is energized by the progress made and looks forward to continuing this meaningful work to ensure a smooth and successful transition at DCDH.

Other Exciting News

Mock-up review: Inpatient washroom and accessories

Prior to the holidays, users from Facilities Maintenance, Infection Prevention and Control, and Rehabilitation attended a detailed mock-up review of the inpatient washroom and accessories on-site of the new Hospital. This session was crucial for gathering user feedback and ensuring the design meets the highest standards of functionality and safety.

Areas of feedback included:

• Nightlight placement for enhanced nighttime visibility and safety
• Location and size of swing-up grab bars
• Placement of sink cleanout and shut-off valves
• Backrest placement and width to comply with BC Building Code
• Height and support of the flush valve
• Accessible placement of Nurse Call, Emergency, and Call Bell devices
• Paper towel dispenser location for improved access and safety

Site tour with Northern Lights College

Recently, representatives from the Northern Lights College (NLC) Executive and Health Sciences teams joined us for a site tour.

We want to extend our thanks to NLC for their incredible collaboration over the past year – they have been an exceptional neighbour since construction started. They have allowed Graham to lease a portion of their land for the site offices complex and temporary parking lot for site workers and have worked closely with us to ensure that everyone is informed about any road closures due to construction activities.

In return, we supported NLC by providing them with excavated dirt and fill for future projects on their campus. This mutually beneficial exchange has not only helped manage resources efficiently but also contributed to their development plans. As part of the project, we will also be straightening out the rear access road into the NLC Campus, which will enhance accessibility and safety for everyone using the road.

Featured Stories

• A Project Update: September 2024
• Tower crane #1 (aka Hank) being removed
• Farewell to Hank and Dan: Dawson Creek's Towering Heroes
• Mock-up review: Enhancing inpatient washroom design
• Site tour with Northern Lights College
• Monthly labour report - As of October 31, 2024 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of November 30, 2024 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of December 31, 2024 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - October 2024 [VIDEO]
• Bird's Eye View: Tower Crane #1 Removal [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - November 2024 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - December 2024 [VIDEO]

Interested in learning more?

Subscribe to our new community newsletter

Did you receive this newsletter from a colleague, family member, or friend? Want to get on the list to receive future updates directly to your inbox?

If so, subscribe to our new community newsletter by completing the form.

Contact us directly

Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

We're launching a new community newsletter to give you exclusive updates about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital project.

By subscribing to the quarterly newsletter, you'll receive project status updates, behind-the-scenes photos of construction progress, details about recent and upcoming community events, other exciting news and much more - right to your inbox!

Join our community of supporters to be the first to know about the latest developments and stay connected with the future of health care in Dawson Creek.

The next edition of the quarterly newsletter will be distributed on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Subscribe now by completing the form. 📩

Crews will be working and operating equipment overnight from January 21 to 25, 2025, to take advantage of the forecasted warm weather this week.

What to expect:

Work will be underway from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on these days to backfill the north side of the building. This involves hauling material from the stockpile on site and placing and compacting the material. There will be no hauling material to the site, so there will be no truck traffic on residential streets. However, the equipment will have backup alarms active for safety reasons, which may cause some noise.

The City of Dawson Creek has given Graham Design-Builders permission to work through the night and outside the typical bylaw quiet times.

Why are we doing this?

By taking advantage of the warm overnight temperatures, we aim to complete a significant amount of work in a short period of time which will hopefully benefit the overall project schedule.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this important project.

Questions, concerns, or more information?

Please email: LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca