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A Project Update: July 2025

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!

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Categories: Quarterly Update