Project status update

Where we’re at

The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project is continuing to progress on schedule as we work with the Design-Builder (Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture) and the Ministry of Health to advance the design of the new hospital.

We have recently received, reviewed and provided feedback on the first set of design and technical submissions from the Design-Builder. These submissions include the draft design and construction schedule, the proposed project management plan, and a schematic level design.

We are also in the final steps of acquiring the land for the site of the new hospital which is located at the intersection of 12th St and 112 Ave. The City of Dawson Creek has approved the application to subdivide the land and the transfer process is now moving forward with the provincial government.

What’s next

This month, the Design-Builder is installing a Quonset hut on the southwest corner of the current hospital with mock-ups of certain areas of the new facility. In November, a select group of users will be guided through to experience certain design features. This hut will be updated with more detail as the design advances and will be in place until the design is fully complete.

By the end of fall, we also expect to have received and reviewed the financial submission from the Design-Builder.

The next set of design and technical submissions from the Design-Builder should arrive in early 2023. These will build on the previous submissions with more detailed architectural and engineering drawings which will incorporate the feedback that the project team and the users provided.

Engagement activities

User Consultation Meetings

User Consultation Meetings (UCM) are organized with small groups of users who are typically physicians and health care staff who represent their areas of expertise. UCMs help the Design-Builder understand over-arching concepts and ensure that all departments are situated correctly for the best clinical care and efficiencies.

Topics include the general footprint of the building, blocking and stacking, placement and adjacencies of departments, flow and circulation, individual room layouts, and equipment and furniture placement. The next set of UCMs are scheduled for November.

Special Topic Meetings

When more information about a specific topic is required in between UCMs, there are Special Topic Meetings (STM). These meetings allow the Design-Builder, users, and the project team to discuss specific topics in greater detail. Recent topics include mechanical and electrical systems, in-patient unit room layouts, elevator design requirements, patient travel paths, exterior cladding, and IMIT.

Capital Advisory Committee

The Capital Advisory Committee (CAC) is continuing to meet quarterly to provide input, advice, and recommendations to Northern Health on patient experiences, local and cultural considerations, consultations and communications, and First Nations engagement.

The CAC has representation from Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations, Kelly Lake Cree Nation, the City of Dawson Creek, Peace River Regional Hospital District, First Nations Health Authority, South Peace Health Services Society, and Patient Voices Network. The CAC reports to the Steering Committee and any feedback or input gathered is taken for further review.

Community Advisory Working Group

We are continuing to build relationships with local organizations and groups in Dawson Creek and the surrounding areas. Over the coming months, we will be inviting these stakeholders to appoint representation on the Community Advisory Working Group (CAWG).

The purpose of this group is to have a forum for community input into design, local culture, practices and experience and to ensure the new facility is welcoming, respectful and relevant. The CAWG reports to the CAC and any feedback or input gathered is taken for further review.

Indigenous Advisory Working Group

Over the coming months, we will be engaging with local Indigenous communities, organizations, and groups for recommendations and advice pertaining to Indigenous cultural values. We will be forming an Indigenous Advisory Working Group (IAWG) which is a safe space for Indigenous input into design aspects of the project and considerations unique to Indigenous culture and practices.

The purpose of this group is to ensure the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant. We will be seeking representation for the IAWG from the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations, Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Blueberry River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Kelly Lake Cree Nation, North East Métis Association, and more. The IAWG reports to the CAC and any feedback or input gathered is taken for further review.

For more information

Dawson Creek and District Hospital 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