Project status update

Where we’ve come from

Where we’re at

The DCDH Replacement Project is currently in the procurement phase which consists of two parts – a technical submission and a financial submission. The technical submission ensures that the ongoing design is reflective of the project’s requirements which includes the design and construction schedules, design narratives, renderings, and draft management plans; and the financial submission addresses the costs of the project.

What’s next

Northern Health is working with the preferred proponent, Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture under a Design Early Works Agreement (DEWA) to advance the design of the new hospital. This year, they will be submitting the technical and financial proposals to Northern Health for review. If the submissions are accepted, the next step is signing a Design-Build Agreement (DBA) with Clark Builders-Turner-HDR to deliver the project. Once the DBA has been signed, construction will begin.

Project schedule

Capital projects are large undertakings that require a series of planning steps to ensure the facility is designed following the current and future evidence for health care facilities, and tendered and constructed for the best value. Additionally, this work is scheduled to ensure health care services are maintained during the construction period that will be over a couple of years. For all large projects, timelines can be impacted by a number of factors that may change over time. It’s in the best interest of the community and health care team to work through the project thoroughly to ensure that the facility is built to respond to future health care needs.

Next steps

Engagement

We have formed a Capital Advisory Committee (CAC) that has representation from local First Nations, the City of Dawson Creek, Peace River Regional Hospital District, First Nations Health Authority, and BC Patient Voices Network. This committee has already been providing input, advice, and recommendations to Northern Health on patient experiences, cultural considerations, consultations and communications, and First Nations engagement.

Right now, we are developing and working on community engagement for the City of Dawson Creek and surrounding areas, including First Nation communities to gather feedback related to the project.

We are and will continue to be working closely with Northern Health’s Indigenous Health team to actively engage with local Indigenous communities and groups throughout the duration of the DCDH Replacement Project. Shortly, we will form an Indigenous Advisory Working Group (IAWG) to gather input into design aspects as well as Indigenous culture and practices to ensure the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful, and relevant.

We will also form a Community Advisory Working Group (CAWG) consisting of stakeholders and community members. This working group will help us gather input relating to design aspects, and local culture, practices, and experience to ensure the facility reflects the health care service needs of Dawson Creek, surrounding communities, and local Indigenous communities.

Other exciting news

Dawson Creek Community Garden – Grand Opening

The Dawson Creek Community Garden was relocated from the Northwest corner of Northern Lights College's property in order to make space for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital. The relocation project was done in collaboration with the Dawson Creek Community Garden Society, Northern Lights College, Stantec Inc., and Northern Legendary Construction Ltd. Construction began in June 2021 and was completed in September 2021. We maintained and transferred architectural features from the old garden including the entryway gate and the metal memorial bench.

The Dawson Creek Community Garden Society hosted their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 18. The event included speeches from local dignitaries and those involved in the project, cupcakes, and a tour of the new site.

For more information

Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk is our one-stop shop for everything related to the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project. Not only does this site have regular project updates, but it is also a place where you can provide feedback and thoughts on the project.

Dawson Creek and District Hospital Let’s Talk

Contact us directly

For questions, feedback, or to get added to the distribution list for these updates, feel free to reach out directly to us through Ashley Pannozzo, our Community Engagement Liaison Officer, for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca