Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement – Dawson Creek, BC

Share Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement – Dawson Creek, BC on Facebook Share Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement – Dawson Creek, BC on Twitter Share Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement – Dawson Creek, BC on Linkedin Email Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement – Dawson Creek, BC link

Project Overview

We are building a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Dawson Creek to address current and future health and patient care needs.

The vision of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project is to create a model of excellence in health care that will incorporate modern best practices and standards for the hospital, as well as meet the future needs of the region.

The new hospital will improve the healing environment and provide culturally safe care for residents of the Northeast. It will benefit patients, families, physicians and staff through strengthened existing

Project Overview

We are building a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Dawson Creek to address current and future health and patient care needs.

The vision of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project is to create a model of excellence in health care that will incorporate modern best practices and standards for the hospital, as well as meet the future needs of the region.

The new hospital will improve the healing environment and provide culturally safe care for residents of the Northeast. It will benefit patients, families, physicians and staff through strengthened existing services. The project will support recruitment, retention, and engagement of health care workers and bring local economic benefits to the City of Dawson Creek, surrounding areas, and local Indigenous communities.

The new hospital will be approximately 24,500 square metres (263,000 square feet) and will include:

  • 24 additional beds, bringing the total up to 70 beds, all of which will be single rooms with ensuite washrooms.

  • An emergency department that is double the size of the existing one, with a treatment spaces increasing from 10 to 15.

  • Support for new moms and families through a perinatal unit including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms and a nursery.

  • Improved mental health service delivery with a new in-patient suite and an increase of beds from 15 to 18 plus two high observation rooms.

  • Space for a laboratory, medical imaging, and physical rehabilitation.

  • A range of surgical services as well as ambulatory care including cancer care, IV therapy, respiratory therapy, and visiting specialists.

  • A spiritual room for use by people of all faiths and cultures that can accommodate cultural ceremonies such as smudging.

  • Improved regional pharmacy services that meet the new National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities guidelines and requirements.

  • Culturally safe and welcoming spaces that are designed with input and feedback from surrounding Indigenous communities as well as the local community.

  • Increased parking capacity with over 300 parking stalls for patients, visitors, and staff.

The new DCDH is being built in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral home of the Beaver, Cree, Saulteau, Sicannie (Sikanni), and Slavey.

Northern Health acknowledges the hospital serves the communities of Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Kelly Lake Communities, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations; as well as Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous populations within the Peace Region of Treaty 8 territory.

The budget for the project is approximately $590 million which will be shared by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District.

  • Intersection Closure: October 1-15

    Share Intersection Closure: October 1-15 on Facebook Share Intersection Closure: October 1-15 on Twitter Share Intersection Closure: October 1-15 on Linkedin Email Intersection Closure: October 1-15 link
    supporting image

    From Tuesday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 15, the intersection of 10 St., 12 St. and 112 Ave will be closed in order to complete the road crossing installation for the new BC Hydro infrastructure to the Dawson Creek & District Hospital project site.

    Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be required to take alternate routes around the closure.

    See the map below for the location of the closure.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have questions or concerns, please email LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • A Project Update: September 2024

    Share A Project Update: September 2024 on Facebook Share A Project Update: September 2024 on Twitter Share A Project Update: September 2024 on Linkedin Email A Project Update: September 2024 link
    supporting image

    Project Status Update

    Where we’re at

    The concrete superstructure is now complete, marking a significant milestone for the project! Currently, work is progressing on both exterior and interior framing and boarding, alongside the installation of structural steel. The installation of multi-trade racks is also ongoing, with 62 out of 80 already in place. Additionally, we have received and reviewed three out of four of the 100% design submission packages and the fourth package is anticipated to be received in early October.

    What’s next

    The hard-working tower cranes that currently occupy the Dawson Creek skyline will soon be taken down. Tower crane #1 is scheduled to be removed in early November, followed by tower crane #2 in mid-December. In October, work will begin on the roof installation and by the end of December, the building will be sealed and enclosed.

    Department Highlights

    Mental Health Unit

    The mental health unit in the new hospital is located on Level 3 and includes 18 private inpatient rooms with ensuite washrooms as well as 2 high observation rooms.

    Key features of the mental health unit include:

    • Secure courtyard for patients to have access to the outdoors
    • Family visiting and consult rooms
    • Patient lounge, dining room and kitchen
    • Laundry room
    • Exercise room
    • Group therapy room
    • Activity room

    Inpatient Unit and Rooms

    The inpatient unit in the new facility is located on Level 2 and includes 32 medical and surgical beds and 10 convalescent care beds. There are 2 bariatric patient rooms with more square footage, a larger bathroom, and equipment and furniture to support bariatric patients. All inpatient rooms are private with ensuite washrooms, located around the perimeter of the building and allow for more flexible and enhanced care.

    Key features of the inpatient rooms include:

    • Large windows for access to natural light
    • Bed and bedside table
    • Furniture for visitors (chair and/or pull-out couch)
    • Hand hygiene sink
    • Interactive patient station/entertainment system
    • Wardrobe
    • Ceiling lift extending from the bed into the washroom

    Engagement Initiatives

    Site tour with Dawson Creek Mayor and Council

    We had the pleasure of hosting the City of Dawson Creek’s Mayor, Council, Fire Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief for a site tour. The visit was filled with excitement as everyone saw first-hand the remarkable progress made on the new facility.

    Throughout the tour, they were able to visualize the department layouts and future patient rooms that will soon serve the community.

    Everyone was thrilled to see how far the project has come in just over a year and expressed their excitement for what's to come for the future of health care in Dawson Creek.

    Northern Health and Graham float in Annual Fall Fair Parade

    We were thrilled to join forces with Graham Design-Builders to enter a float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade! This event, as part of the Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede week, was an amazing opportunity for us to get involved in the community and celebrate our shared commitment to improving health care in our community and region.

    Our float was centered around the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital and featured vibrant decorations and renderings of the new hospital. It was great to see that it captured attention and admiration from spectators along the route.

    Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the parade, celebrate with us, and show their community spirit! We’d like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our volunteers from the current hospital and Rotary Manor for walking alongside the float and for handing out goodies to spectators.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • Road closure: September 12 to October 4

    Share Road closure: September 12 to October 4 on Facebook Share Road closure: September 12 to October 4 on Twitter Share Road closure: September 12 to October 4 on Linkedin Email Road closure: September 12 to October 4 link
    supporting image

    From Thursday, September 12 to Friday, October 4, the section of 12 St. between 112 Ave and 113 Ave will be closed due to construction activities for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital.

    Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be re-directed around the closure.

    See the map below for the location of the closure.

    We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have questions or concerns, please email LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

    Photo courtesy: City of Dawson Creek (Facebook)


    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • Site Tour with Mayor and Council / August Progress Photos

    Share Site Tour with Mayor and Council / August Progress Photos on Facebook Share Site Tour with Mayor and Council / August Progress Photos on Twitter Share Site Tour with Mayor and Council / August Progress Photos on Linkedin Email Site Tour with Mayor and Council / August Progress Photos link
    supporting image

    Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting the City of Dawson Creek’s Mayor, Council, Fire Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief for a tour of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital. The visit was filled with excitement as everyone saw first-hand the remarkable progress made on the new facility.

    They began with a walk around the site to see the transformation made from a bare construction zone just over a year ago, to a developing building now. Throughout the tour, they were able to visualize the department layouts and future patient rooms that will soon serve the community. The Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief were particularly interested in the safety features being incorporated into the design, ensuring the hospital will be a secure environment for both patients and staff.

    Everyone was thrilled to see how far the project has come in just over a year and expressed their excitement for what's to come for the future of health care in Dawson Creek.

    Check out the photos below to see the work that is underway on exterior and interior framing throughout the building and the installation of structural steel on Level 3.

    From left to right: Amy Kaempf, Councillor; Kye MacDonald, Councillor; Todd Pickett, Deputy Fire Chief; Marcel Capelle, Fire Chief; Jerimy Earl, Councillor; Devon Aaroe, Manager of Development Services; Mike Sudnik, Councillor; Darcy Dober, Mayor; Dave Corcoran, VP of Health Care, Graham; Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement Liaison, Northern Health.Framing for the four clinical decision units in the Emergency DepartmentFraming for the ambulance entrance into the Emergency Department

    Structural steel on Level 3

    View of the covered and secure courtyard in the mental health unit

    Framing of one of the four LDRP (maternity) patient bedrooms and an equipment storage room
    View of where the inpatient rooms will be on the north side of the building on Level 2. All located on the perimeter of the building with large windows for access to natural light
    Alternate view of where the inpatient rooms will be on the north side of the building on Level 2. All located on the perimeter of the building with large windows for access to natural light
    View of where the pre-operative/day surgery/recovery stretchers will be in the surgery unit
    Framing for one of two operating rooms

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • Northern Health and Graham float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade

    Share Northern Health and Graham float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade on Facebook Share Northern Health and Graham float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade on Twitter Share Northern Health and Graham float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade on Linkedin Email Northern Health and Graham float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade link
    supporting image

    We were thrilled to join forces with Graham to enter a float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade!

    This event, as part of the Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede week, was an amazing opportunity for us to get involved in the community and celebrate our shared commitment to improving health care in our community and region.

    Our float was centered around the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital and featured vibrant decorations and renderings of the new hospital. It was great to see that it captured attention and admiration from spectators along the route.

    Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the parade, celebrate with us, and show their community spirit!

    We’d like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our volunteers from the current hospital and Rotary Manor for walking alongside the float and for handing out goodies to spectators. Your enthusiasm and dedication were truly inspiring and helped make our participation in the parade a success.

    Another special shoutout to Stephen McInnis, DCDH Maintenance Supervisor, for his incredible work in building and decorating the float. Stephen’s creativity and hard work brought our vision to life and made our float a standout feature of the parade.

    We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Annual Fall Fair Parade and look forward to many more occasions to get involved with our wonderful community.


    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • A Project Update: July 2024

    Share A Project Update: July 2024 on Facebook Share A Project Update: July 2024 on Twitter Share A Project Update: July 2024 on Linkedin Email A Project Update: July 2024 link
    supporting image

    Project Status Update

    The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital really starting to take shape and construction is continuing to progress well!

    Since our last update, the foundation walls and the last concrete pour for the structural slabs were completed. In addition, work is underway on waterproofing, reinforcing steel, vertical construction and the installation of the multi-trade racks. Over the coming weeks, work will begin on the installation of structural steel.

    Two other major milestones were achieved over the past few months – the City of Dawson Creek issued the third and final Building Permit to Graham in June and two of the 100% design packages have been received. The third and final 100% design package will be received in mid-August.

    Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

    We’re excited to share that we have hired Angus Connect to provide Operational Readiness Advisory Services for the project. Angus Connect (a division of H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd) is a private consulting firm that provides advisory services based on clinical expertise and real-world experience.

    As we prepare for the new facility to open in Spring 2027, they will follow a 3-phased approach:

    • Phase 1: Project initiation and assessment (Summer 2024)
    • Phase 2: Development and implementation (Fall 2025 – Fall 2026)
    • Phase 3: Transition plan, move, and learn (Summer 2026 – Summer 2027)

    Angus Connect will help prepare and implement a plan to ensure Northern Health is ready to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the new facility. Through stakeholder engagement, detailed assessments, gap analysis, and patient journey mapping the team will help develop work plans for all programs and units. They will also support the development of the orientation, training, simulation and implementation plans to help ensure that the provision of healthcare services is not adversely impacted and that access to care will continue throughout the transition period.

    Earlier this summer, Angus Connect kick-started this work and completed their first site visit with two workshops about lessons learned and corporate opening day view. The team looks forward to working with local leadership to help ensure a smooth transition into the new hospital.

    Department Highlights

    Maternity Unit

    The maternity unit in the new facility includes 4 labour, delivery, recovery, and post-partum (LDRP) rooms – all of which are private with ensuite washrooms. Two rooms have birthing tubs and one room is bariatric with a larger floor plan that can support twin births. The LDRP model of care allows patients to experience labour, delivery and post-partum all while staying in the same room. The unit also features a quiet room, a holding nursery with advanced equipment, and an infant protection system.

    Key features of the maternity rooms include:

    • Large windows for access to natural light
    • Birthing bed and bedside table
    • Infant area with a built-in isolette and warmer
    • Rocker chair
    • Pull out couch
    • Small refrigerator
    • Wardrobe
    • Interactive patient education/entertainment system

    Emergency Department

    The emergency department in the new facility will be significantly larger (double in size from the current one) and a more welcoming space. There will be a designated entrance, registration area, and waiting area – which is separate from the main entrance. Treatment spaces are private and separated by walls to improve patient privacy. Staff workstations will be situated with clear sight lines to waiting areas and treatment spaces to enhance patient care and safety.

    Key features of the emergency department include:

    • 15 treatment spaces
    • 3 high acuity treatment spaces
    • 4 clinical decision spaces
    • 2 tandem trauma/resuscitation bays
    • Negative pressure treatment rooms
    • Crisis interview room
    • Quiet bereavement room
    • Enclosed, heated double bay ambulance garage
    • Site security office for improved safety

    Engagement Initiatives

    Celebrating 1-year of construction and our amazing staff!

    In collaboration with local leadership, the DCDH Project Management Office hosted a lunch celebration for Hospital, Health Unit and Rotary Manor staff to celebrate 1-year of construction on the new hospital. Everyone was invited to come down and have a bite to eat, mix and mingle with the friends and colleagues, and see the new hospital coming together right across the street.

    The Meat Doctor put together an excellent meal and Dawson Creek Co-op donated cold drinks and cookies for dessert!

    Deep Physio Summer Solstice Run

    On Saturday, June 22, Deep Physio hosted their 10th annual Summer Solstice Run at Walter Wright Pioneer Village. It was a beautiful sunny morning and runners from all over the Peace Country laced up their shoes and gathered to celebrate fitness and giving back to the community!

    The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation was the recipient of this year’s event and received a generous donation of $5,500 to put towards local health care!

    NH Spring Leadership Forum

    On May 8 and 9, we showcased the project at the annual Northern Health Spring Leadership Forum in Prince George. This year’s forum brought in over 100 leaders from across the region for two days of education, collaboration, and networking. The leaders were also able to experience 50+ demo pods centered around Digital Health, SaferCare, and HealthSpaces.

    The project booths featured draft renderings, construction progress photos, video walk-throughs, sample materials and finishes boards, live construction cameras, swag and giveaways, and two 3D printed cranes!

    Interested in learning more?

    Visit Let’s Talk DCDH

    Here are some stories, photos, videos and documents that have been shared recently:

    By registering for Let’s Talk DCDH, you can share your thoughts on the project by commenting on recent stories or you can ask questions directly to the project team through the Q&A tool.

    Contact us directly

    Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • Celebrating one-year of construction and our amazing staff!

    Share Celebrating one-year of construction and our amazing staff! on Facebook Share Celebrating one-year of construction and our amazing staff! on Twitter Share Celebrating one-year of construction and our amazing staff! on Linkedin Email Celebrating one-year of construction and our amazing staff! link
    supporting image

    What a difference a year makes! In July 2023, we celebrated the start of construction on the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital. Fast forward a year, we’re now celebrating all of exciting (and quick) progress being made on the new facility.

    In collaboration with local leadership, the DCDH Project Management Office hosted a lunch celebration for Hospital, Health Unit and Rotary Manor staff. Everyone was invited to come down and have a bite to eat, mix and mingle with the friends and colleagues, and see the new hospital coming together right across the street.

    The Meat Doctor put together an excellent meal with pulled pork, chicken and beef brisket on a bun with coleslaw. Our friends at Dawson Creek Co-op donated cold drinks and cookies for dessert! We are so grateful for our community partners for getting involved in this event and taking some time to appreciate the hardwork and dedication of our healthcare workers.


    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • July Progress Photos

    Share July Progress Photos on Facebook Share July Progress Photos on Twitter Share July Progress Photos on Linkedin Email July Progress Photos link
    supporting image

    Check out this month's progress on the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital!

    Workers have started removing some of the shoring and re-shoring from Level 1 and Level 2. Framing has started on the interior and exterior of the building. Concrete is continuing to be poured for vertical construction. The multi-trade racks have started arriving on-site and being installed.


    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • Highlight: Inpatient Rooms

    Share Highlight: Inpatient Rooms on Facebook Share Highlight: Inpatient Rooms on Twitter Share Highlight: Inpatient Rooms on Linkedin Email Highlight: Inpatient Rooms link
    supporting image

    Key features of the inpatient unit include:

    • Located on Level 2
    • 32 medical and surgical beds
    • 10 convalescent care beds
      • This includes 2 bariatric patient rooms with more square footage, a larger bathroom, and equipment and furniture to support bariatric patients
    • All rooms allow for more flexible and enhanced care
    • Visitor and patient lounges
    • Family consult room
    • Quiet rooms

    All typical patient rooms are private with an ensuite washroom, located around the perimeter of the building and include:

    • Large windows for access to natural light
    • Bed and bedside table
    • Accessible and private 3-piece washroom
    • Furniture for visitors (chair and/or pull out couch)
    • Hand hygiene sink
    • Interactive patient station/entertainment system
    • Wardrobe
    • Ceiling lift extending from the bed into the washroom

    Download a copy of the DCDH Inpatient Unit highlight poster.


    Design is ongoing and subject to change. Renderings are simulated views that are approximate and illustrative.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • Highlight: Mental Health Unit

    Share Highlight: Mental Health Unit on Facebook Share Highlight: Mental Health Unit on Twitter Share Highlight: Mental Health Unit on Linkedin Email Highlight: Mental Health Unit link
    supporting image

    Key features of the mental health unit include:

    • 18 private inpatient rooms with ensuite washrooms
    • Two high observation rooms
    • Located on Level 3
    • Secure courtyard for patients to have access to the outdoors
    • Family visiting and consult rooms
    • Patient lounge, dining room and kitchen
    • Laundry room
    • Exercise room
    • Group therapy room
    • Activity room

    Download a copy of the DCDH Mental Health Unit feature poster.

    Design is ongoing and subject to change. Renderings are simulated views that are approximate and illustrative.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

Page last updated: 04 Oct 2024, 10:16 AM