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A Project Update: April 2025

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.

Interested in learning more?

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Contact us directly

Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

Categories: Quarterly Update

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