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

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

Bethany-Cerise Buchamer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cameron Alexander

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

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

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

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

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

Kevin Xu

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

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

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

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

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

Level 1 - Emergency Department Waiting Room
Muncho Lake

Level 1 - Gift Shop
Sikanni Chief FallsAaron Patrimonio

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

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

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

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

Level 2 - Inpatient Unit Family Lounge
Bear Mountain Wind Park

Donald Pettit

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

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

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

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

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

Rick Phillips

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

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

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

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

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