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.

We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone was recently achieved in the design and construction of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the completion of our fourth mock-up session, which took place on-site and inside the new hospital!

Mock-up #4 focused on two key spaces: a typical medical/surgical inpatient room and a typical bariatric patient room.

These mock-ups are immersive, hands-on experiences that give clinical users an opportunity to physically experience the space and provide real-time feedback on layout and functionality prior to construction being replicated throughout the facility. This approach enables identification of potential issues and supports evidence-based decision-making to ensure the final spaces are both operationally efficient and patient-centered.

These mock-up sessions are a vital part of our design and construction process, allowing us to refine room layouts based on the input of those who will work in these spaces every day. By inviting clinical staff to experience the rooms in-situ and provide feedback, we ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered. The feedback gathered will directly inform final construction decisions, helping us build a hospital that truly reflects the needs of our staff.

During the mock-up, clinical users provided valuable insights on:

• Hand sanitizer placement for optimal accessibility and infection control
• Washroom grab bar types and locations to support patient mobility and safety
• Handrail placement throughout the room to assist with movement and fall prevention
• Workflow efficiency to streamline care delivery

Interested in learning more about the key features of patient rooms? Check out Highlight: Inpatient Rooms.

Photos from the typical bariatric patient room:

Photos from the typical medical/surgical inpatient room:

Project status update

Where we’re at

We are continuing to make strong progress this summer, with major construction milestones achieved and several key phases of work underway.

The generator pads and retaining wall are now complete as well as the BC Hydro and TELUS utility work. Crews are halfway through gravel prep around the site and curbs are complete on the west side. Trenching for site lighting is progressing which will enhance safety and accessibility across the property.

On the structural side, steel framework and roofing for the north entrance canopy and ambulance bay are complete, providing a glimpse of the welcoming and modern design that will greet patients and visitors. Exterior work is also advancing with insulation, cladding, and brick veneer, and parapet cap flashing installation to ensure the building envelope is weather-tight and energy-efficient.

Inside the facility, framing is now complete on all three levels. Drywall installation, mudding, and taping are well underway throughout. Ceiling framing and top skirting are also progressing, helping to define the interior spaces and prepare for final finishes. Throughout Level 1 and 2, priming, painting, and flooring are underway in the first zones. Mechanical and electrical systems are being installed in the basement, penthouse, and main electrical rooms.

What’s next

On the exterior, crews are starting to install the generator equipment, which is an essential step in preparing the facility’s backup power systems. Site preparation will continue with more gravel work, followed by concrete and asphalt pours for sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas. Roof decking on the entrance canopy will continue, adding architectural detail to the main entry points. The exterior shell of the building is expected to be completed by the Fall.

On the interior, drywalling, taping, ceiling work, priming, painting, and flooring will continue across all levels. Mechanical and electrical rough ins on Levels 1 and 2 are expected to be completed by August.

In August, an in-situ mock-up of a typical inpatient and bariatric room will take place. Mock-ups give clinical users an opportunity to walk through the space before the construction of the rooms are duplicated. These mock-ups help identify any design or layout issues to ensure the rooms are efficient and comfortable for both patients and staff. This hands-on approach supports better decision-making and ensures the final spaces meet the needs of those who will use them every day.

Photo taken: July 19, 2025

Construction progress photos

Department highlights

Interior and exterior colour schemes and inspiration

The new Dawson Creek and District Hospital is more than just a building – it's a reflection of the Peace Region itself. From the flowing rivers and historic railways to the vast northern skies and dancing auroras, every design element is inspired by the region.

The interior design and colour schemes for each level of the hospital will feature unique colour palettes and themes drawn from our natural surroundings, creating a calming, welcoming space for patients, families, visitors, and staff. It’s a thoughtful blend of beauty, culture, and healing.

A vibrant new feature is also catching the community’s eye: the building’s exterior colours. The façade is being clad in Ocean Blue, Lagoon, and Tuscan Sun – a bold and meaningful palette that reflects Dawson Creek’s natural beauty, cultural identity, and northern spirit.

Ocean Blue represents the vast Peace Region sky symbolizing openness, calmness, and clarity. Lagoon captures the magic of the Aurora Borealis, a natural wonder often visible in the northern skies. Tuscan Sun was chosen to complement the City of Dawson Creek’s logo and is intended to highlight the main entrance and stand out as a visible landmark.

Operational readiness and transition planning

The third round of departmental workplan updates was completed earlier this month with many departments on track – actively defining processes, establishing workflows, and collaborating with other teams as needed to advance discussion and coordination.

Work is ongoing to refine the Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment List and Information Management/Information Technology Equipment List to ensure that quantities are accurate and aligned with operational requirements for opening day.

The second Operational Readiness Committee (ORC) Meeting was held in June. The committee continues to meet regularly to address risks, approve change requests, and coordinate readiness activities across teams.

Frequently asked questions

What is Northern Health doing to recruit and retain staff for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital?

We recognize the concerns our communities have around the challenges in recruiting and retaining health care professionals in rural and northern areas like ours.

Northern Health is taking strong, coordinated action to address recruitment and retention challenges in rural and northern communities, including Dawson Creek, and is actively working towards building a sustainable workforce through a wide range of recruitment and retention strategies and initiatives. Efforts include attending career fairs, running targeted advertising, and engaging with students through classroom visits and community partnerships.

To build a sustainable workforce, Northern Health is collaborating with local and regional post-secondary institutions including Northern Lights College and the University of Northern British Columbia to support students through educational programs and expanded pathways to help them enter the health care field and build long-term careers.

Northern Health continues to actively recruit medical staff including physicians. Dawson Creek is one of the first communities to have added associate physician positions. Our recruiters are attending medical conferences and working with each community to identify and recognize unique needs to ensure it’s the right fit for each new hire.

Retention is just as important. Northern Health and the Ministry of Health have offered meaningful financial incentives for rural and remote positions, some of which include return-of-service commitments

In addition, our Northeast Recruitment and Retention Ambassador plays a key role in strengthening our workforce by building strong partnerships with communities partners and supporting initiatives that help attract and retain top talent across the region. Our Regional Manager of Housing and Childcare is actively collaborating with community partners to improve housing, childcare, and other supports that make it easier for staff and their families to live and work.

As we look ahead to the opening of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital in Spring 2027, we are laying the foundation to ensure it is fully staffed and ready to serve our community. The new hospital is being designed and built with staff and patient experiences in mind. It will feature private patient rooms with ensuite washrooms, natural lighting, accessible washrooms, and modern technology – all of which contribute to a more comfortable and efficient environment. These improvements are key to attracting and retaining health care professionals who want to work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Engagement initiatives

Smile Cookie Relay! DCDH PMO vs. Graham Design Builders

The DCDH Project Management & Facilities Maintenance Team took on the Graham Design-Builders Team in a smile cookie relay eating challenge as part of the DCDH Foundation’s annual Smile Cookie Campaign! While we didn’t take home the win (turns out the Graham team are pro cookie eaters!), we were proud to support this sweet initiative.

The DCDH Foundation raised over $38,000 which will stay here in our community and go towards the purchase of vital and life-changing medical equipment for health care facilities in Dawson Creek and the South Peace region.

Connecting with community at the South Peace Health Expo

On May 1, we participated in the first-ever South Peace Primary Care Network Health Expo in Dawson Creek!

This vibrant and interactive event brought together local health care providers, community organizations, and community members for an evening of learning, connection, and wellness. From health screenings and wellness resources to project updates and community engagement, the Expo was a fantastic opportunity for us to share how the new DCDH will support the future of health care in the South Peace region.

A big thank you to the South Peace Division of Family Practice and all the organizers for hosting such a meaningful event – and to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about the project. We’re excited to continue building a healthier future for Dawson Creek and the South Peace region.

Celebrating the joy of rurality at the Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference!

From July 4-6, we attended the 2025 Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference in the heart of one of Canada’s only UNESCO Global Geoparks!

This three-day event brought together over 100 rural physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, pharmacists, residents, allied health professionals, and medical students from across BC. With a full program of hands-on workshops, expert-led education sessions, and community building activities, the conference focused on celebrating the joy of rurality and strengthening rural health care through collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.

We were honoured to connect with attendees alongside representatives from partner organizations including Doctors of BC, First Nations Health Authority, South Peace Division of Family Practice and Primary Care Network, North Peace Division of Family Practice, Rural Coordination Centre of BC, Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition, and the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark.

Other exciting news

Local artists shine!

We recently launched an artist call-out seeking local and regional photographic scenic images to be used on custom vinyl wall graphics in the new hospital.

We are excited to share that we received over 50 packages from local artists, totaling over 650 images for consideration! The DCDH Art Committee as well as the project management team and local DCDH leadership are reviewing the submissions to determine which images are successful and ultimately installed in the new facility.

Stay tuned to learn which artists will have an opportunity to feature their artwork in the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital!

FEATURED STORIES

• FAQ: What is Northern Health doing to recruit and retain staff for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital?
• A vibrant reveal of the exterior ACM panel colours
• Highlight: Interior Design Inspiration and Colour Schemes
• Road closure: Until June 23
• Call-out for Artists and Photographers: Local and regional scenic photographic images for custom wall graphics
• A Project Update: April 2025
• Call-Out for Artists and Photographers - Local and Regional Images for Custom Graphics [PDF]
• Quarterly Update - April 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of June 30, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of May 31, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of April 30, 2025 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - June 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - May 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - April 2025 [VIDEO]

We recognize the concerns our communities have around the challenges in recruiting and retaining health care professionals in rural and northern areas like ours.

Northern Health (NH) is taking strong, coordinated action to address these challenges and is actively working towards building a sustainable workforce through a wide range of recruitment and retention strategies and initiatives.

This includes attending in-person and virtual conferences and career fairs, running targeted advertising campaigns, doing campus and classroom student visits, presenting to high school students, and leveraging community partnerships. We’re also reaching out beyond our borders through international and U.S.-based recruitment campaigns, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

In addition, we’re partnering with post-secondary institutions like Northern Lights College (NLC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) to support local students through programs such as the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) and the Employed Student Nurse (ESN) program. To grow the workforce, we’re collaborating with our post-secondary institution partners on expanding educational pathways. For example, NLC offers Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing programs in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. These programs are designed to help students enter the health care field and build long-term careers. Graduates can even bridge into more advanced programs, such as the Access to Practical Nursing Diploma or the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program at UNBC. As of early 2025, hundreds of students are already enrolled or working in health care roles across Northern Health through these pathways.

Northern Health continues to actively recruit medical staff including physicians. Dawson Creek is one of the first communities to have added associate physician positions. Our recruiters are attending medical conferences and working with each community to identify and recognize unique needs to ensure it’s the right fit for each new hire.

Retention is just as important. Northern Health and the Ministry of Health have offered meaningful financial incentives for rural and remote positions, some of which include return-of-service commitments.

Our Northeast Recruitment and Retention Ambassador plays a key role in strengthening our workforce by building strong partnerships with schools and communities, enhancing onboarding experiences, promoting health care careers, representing Northern Health at events, and supporting initiatives that help attract and retain top talent across the region.

In addition, our Regional Manager of Housing and Childcare is actively collaborating with community partners to improve housing, childcare, and other supports that make it easier for staff and their families to live and work.

Looking ahead to the opening of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in Spring 2027, we are laying the foundation to ensure it is fully staffed and ready to serve our community. The new hospital is being designed and built with staff and patient experiences in mind. It will feature private patient rooms with ensuite washrooms, natural lighting, accessible washrooms, and modern technology – all of which contribute to a more comfortable and efficient environment. These improvements are not just about aesthetics; they are key to attracting and retaining health care professionals who want to work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase of regular employees in Dawson Creek, and we’re continuing to invest in the people, programs, and partnerships that will help us meet the needs of our growing community. Northern Health is committed to ensuring that our communities have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.

A vibrant new feature of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is catching the community’s eye: the building’s exterior colours.

With majority of the aluminum composite material (ACM) panels now installed and the protective film getting peeled off, the building is quickly becoming a visible landmark on the city’s skyline.

The new hospital’s façade is being clad in Ocean Blue, Lagoon, and Tuscan Sun – a bold and meaningful palette that reflects Dawson Creek’s natural beauty, cultural identity, and northern spirit.

• Ocean Blue represents the vast Peace Region sky symbolizing openness, calmness, and clarity
• Lagoon captures the magic of the Aurora Borealis, a natural wonder often visible in the northern skies
• Tuscan Sun was chosen to complement the City of Dawson Creek’s logo and is intended to highlight the main entrance and stand out as an identifiable landmark

The chosen colours were thoughtfully selected to reflect Dawson Creek’s identity and to create a welcoming, recognizable space for patients, families, and staff. We are excited to hear that community members are already embracing the bold and meaningful palette.

REGIONAL INSPIRATION

The concepts for the interior design of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital draws inspiration from features of the surrounding environment; the FLOW of the Pouce Coupe River and Dawson Creek, the CONNECTIONS along the Alaska Highway, and the railroad as important gateways to the surrounding region and the northern lights of the BIG SKY which offers a full spectrum of colour palette.

INTERIOR DESIGN APPROACH

The concept of FLOW has been translated in a consistent design approach for wall, flooring, ceiling finishes, millwork design and lighting applications throughout the hospital. Flooring patterns, unique acoustical ceiling treatments and strategic use of colour and accent finishes have been considered in the design of key spaces to help guide and direct patients and visitors through and to key spaces.

Major destinations become CONNECTION points throughout the hospital and are reinforced in wall, floor and ceiling treatments along with accent lighting, colours and graphics to support wayfinding for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. Public elevator lobbies, prominent public corridors, patient waiting areas, care team stations, department and clinic entrances are all areas where accent finishes treatments have been considered to make these spaces unique and recognizable.

The seasonal light changes of the BIG SKY and northern lights of the region offer a full spectrum colour palette for the hospital. One unique and prominent colour accent is applied to accent wall treatments and graphics to distinguish each floor throughout the hospital.

FINISH SELECTION CRITERIA

LEVEL 0 – MOUNTAINS

The mountains surrounding this region provided inspiration for the colours used in public and staff areas in the lower level. This colour palette is bold but timeless and it helps emphasize the strong foundation the facility is built on.

LEVEL 1 – RIVER

The Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe River, and Peace River that wind through the region serve as the main inspiration for the design of the main public spaces on Level 1, to provide a welcoming, calming and serene first impression for patients, staff and volunteers. The deep aqua colour combined with warm neutral tones and graphic references of river grasses are applied to floors, walls and ceilings to support the FLOW concept throughout this main floor, and on signage to assist with wayfinding.

LEVEL 2 – PRAIRIE

The surrounding prairie fields are an important feature that inspired the development of the interior design and wayfinding approach for the inpatient level. The abundance of natural light that floods the canola fields in a golden glow creates a prominent element on the exterior of the building that not only enhances the visual appeal of its design but also fosters a sense of vitality and rejuvenation within the interior spaces.

LEVEL 3 – FOREST

The depth of the forest colours combined with fir and pine needle imagery inspired the colour scheme for the mental health floor. We aimed to design a space that is reminiscent of the tranquility and calmness felt walking in nature.

PUBLIC ELEVATOR LOBBIES

The application of the four colour schemes is more evident at the public elevator lobbies, where each geographical feature is prominent.

The design features of the public elevator lobbies include durable wall cladding material with back lit graphic floor identification, colour accent treatments that wrap around recessed glass display cases, unique to each floor, which will feature original art and Indigenous artifacts.

Acoustical wood ceiling treatments have been designed at each elevator lobby to assist with acoustics and help with orientation and wayfinding.

Northern Health is looking for artists and photographers to submit local and regional[1] scenic photographic images to be purchased/licensed by Northern Health and used for permanent custom wall graphics in various locations within the new Hospital.

Download a PDF copy of this opportunity to share with your extended network, colleagues, friends and family.

BACKGROUND:

Construction on the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital began in July 2023, is anticipated to be open and ready for patients by Spring 2027.

Graham Design-Builders was the successful proponent selected to complete the design and build the new Hospital.

The approach and strategy for the interior design for the new Hospital is informed by the surrounding natural environment:

• The flow of the Peace River
• The important connections via the Alaska Highway, railroads, rivers, and creeks
• The big sky with the northern lights/aurora borealis

INTERIOR DESIGN THEMES:

Each level’s interior design theme is based on regional inspiration and has the corresponding wayfinding colours:

CUSTOM GRAPHIC LOCATIONS:

Examples of two locations with sample custom graphics:

The following 13 locations in the new DCDH are planned to have custom wall graphics:

COMPENSATION:

Northern Health will compensate artists $1,800 per successful image, up to a maximum total of $23,400 for all 13 identified custom graphic locations throughout the new Hospital.

DELIVERABLES:

Please submit the following with your package:

• Digital files of local and regional photographic scenic images that align with the identified themes
• For each image submitted, identify which level and theme it aligns with and the preferred location
• Aspect ratios and dimensions of the images
• Original un-flattened artwork files

Please note:

• You are not required to coordinate the ordering or installation of the custom wall graphics as Graham Design-Builders is responsible for doing so.
• Submissions of images remain the property of the artist/photographer and are only required for initial evaluation purposes.
• Images will not be used or shared outside of the evaluation committees, if the submission is not successful.
• Please feel free to include watermarks and/or logos on submission images.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Vector artwork – EPS, AI, PDF (editable)
• Raster artwork – TIFF (preferred), PSD, PSB, JPEG (high res)
• Resolution – At least 150 PPI at 100% of the image size (300 PPI is preferred)
• 21MP and larger

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Evaluation and approval of submissions will include review and input from the DCDH Art Committee and Northern Health representatives and be based on the following criteria:

• Respecting the Treaty 8 First Nations and the connection to the area where the new Hospital is being built within their territory
• Reflecting the larger vision and goals of the project
• Creating harmony with the design of the new Hospital
• Representing key local and regional landmarks
• Contributing to a sense of place
• Creating welcoming spaces for patients, visitors, and staff to gather and generate conversation

Northern Health will ultimately decide which images appear in which locations, based on evaluation of all the submissions and the above criteria. There is no guarantee the image will appear in the preferred location; however successful artists/photographers will be notified of any proposed location changes following the evaluation period.

LEGAL INFORMATION:

Selected artists/photographers will be required to sign a formal agreement, assigning certain intellectual property rights to Northern Health. Within the agreement, the artist/photographer will license the physical display of the images.

Northern Health will not reproduce or distribute the images without express consent from the artist/photographer; however, as part of a public display, photographs or images of the facility used for promotional material may capture the artwork in-situ. Such use will be authorized within the agreement.

SCHEDULE:

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Please submit your package with the subject:

“DCDH Art Submission: Custom Graphics – ”

To:

Ashley Pannozzo

DCDH Community Engagement and Communications Liaison

Ashley.pannozzo@northernhealth.ca

Given the large file sizes that are being requested, please feel free to use a file sharing tool such as WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. for your submission as they are likely to be too large to send via email. If you’d prefer a physical drop-off (USB, hard drive, etc.), please reach out to coordinate.

QUESTIONS?

Please email Ashley Pannozzo (Ashley.pannozzo@northernhealth.ca) if you have any questions or require any additional information regarding this opportunity.

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.