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A Project Update: October 2025

Project status update

Where we’re at

Construction activities are continuing to advance steadily. Interior rough-ins have been completed on Levels 1 and 2, and are progressing on Levels 0, 3, and in the mechanical and electrical rooms. Drywalling, mudding, and taping are actively progressing across all levels, while painting, wall protection, and flooring installations are underway on Levels 1 and 2.

The building envelope continues to take shape with brick veneer, cladding, and ACM panel installation well underway. Site works have also seen significant progress with the south roadway and parking lot asphalt, curb, and gutters now complete.

What’s next

Looking ahead on the exterior, the remaining curb and gutter work and asphalt paving for the north roadway will be completed by November. This will mark the end of paving activities for the year, with final paving and landscaping scheduled to resume in the spring. Work on the exterior envelope will continue through February with cladding progressing throughout the winter months.

On the interior, finishing will continue to ramp up with the installation of fixtures and final finishes, and most drywall work is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The focus will shift to getting the main electrical systems operational, with the goal of having the permanent power energized by the end of the year. Hydronic lines will also begin to be flushed which is a key step in preparing for commissioning activities, which will begin in January with the start-up of the air handling units

Fun facts! Did you know?

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is a major infrastructure project, and its scale can be better appreciated when compared to familiar landmarks and distances in the Peace Region:

The hospital includes 710 km of branch wiring – which is nearly one-third of the entire Alaska Highway stretching from Dawson Creek to Alaska.
1. That same wiring could wrap the ice surface at the Ovintiv Events Centre over 4,000 times.
2. Its total weight of 21,000 kg is equivalent to about 30 adult bison, a species native to the Peace Region.
The 21 km of feeder wiring is about the driving distance from Dawson Creek to Rolla.
1. That feeder wiring also equals 105 laps around the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre’s 200m indoor track.
With 10,000 receptacles, the hospital could power every seat in the Ovintiv Events Centre during a sold-out concert, with extras to spare.
The 405 km of network and low-voltage wiring could stretch along Highway 97 all the way from Dawson Creek to Prince George.
The 200 km of conduit is equivalent to stacking approximately 1,681 Bear Mountain Wind Park wind turbines end-to-end, each standing about 119 meters tall.
The 4 km of cable tray is nearly the full length of the Dawson Trail, a 4.5 km community walking path through Kin Park and Rotary Recreation Park.
The 6,200 light fixtures are enough to install one for every two Dawson Creek residents.

Construction progress photos

Operational readiness and transition planning

Monthly departmental workplan meetings were completed with many programs continuing strong progress defining processes, establishing workflows, and collaborating with other teams to support operational planning.

The third Operational Readiness Committee (ORC) meeting was held August, focusing on discussions around the patient wandering and code white systems, while also addressing risks, reviewing the change request process, and coordinating readiness activities.

Clinical Workshops were conducted the week of Thanksgiving, concentrating on establishing the impact of space and technology changes to key areas such as emergency preparedness, models of care, Vocera communications, building access, and medication administration. Outputs of these sessions will inform policy updates and support staff training and simulation activities planned for next year.

The fourth ORC meeting was held in October, focusing on updates regarding the SaferCare initiative and IMIT scope, while also addressing risks, change requests, and coordination of overall readiness activities.

Engagement initiatives

Cree and Dane-Zaa languages to be featured on select wayfinding signage

We’re proud to share a meaningful milestone in our journey toward truth and reconciliation and cultural safety at the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital. In collaboration with Treaty 8 First Nations, we underwent a thoughtful engagement process to honour their cultural heritage in the new facility. As a result, the Cree and Dane-z̲aa languages will be featured on select wayfinding signage, including department entrances and key destinations.

These languages will also be available on digital wayfinding kiosks, ensuring accessibility beyond physical signage. A dedicated welcome wall in the hospital’s main lobby will celebrate the many Indigenous and global languages spoken in our region – serving as a visual reminder of our shared commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural safety.

This work reflects the power of partnership and we are grateful to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who helped shape a facility that reflects the people it serves. The integration of the Cree and Dane-Zaa languages is more than signage – it’s a step toward healing, recognition, and respect.

Mock-up #4: Refining patient care spaces through clinical engagement

We recently completed our fourth mock-up session – this time inside the new hospital! The session focused on a typical medical/surgical inpatient room and a bariatric inpatient room. These hands-on mock-ups allow clinical teams to experience the space and provide real-time feedback before construction is finalized. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues early and ensures the final design supports both operational efficiency and patient-centered care.

Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair

On September 25, we attended the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair – an event that brought together community members, health professionals, and service providers in a celebration of wellness and connection. We shared updates on the hospital’s culturally inclusive design such as the spiritual room, Indigenous language signage, and the family gathering space. We also distributed employment flyers and had meaningful conversations about future job opportunities. These conversations are vital to ensuring the hospital becomes a place where Indigenous staff, patients, and families feel welcomed, respected, and represented.

Northern Lights College Community Fair

On September 17, we participated in Northern Lights College’s Annual Community Fair at the Dawson Creek campus. With the new hospital being built nearby, the event was a great opportunity to connect with students – especially those pursuing careers in health care. Many nursing students expressed excitement about joining the hospital’s future workforce as we approach our opening in early 2027.

Minister of Health Josie Osborne visits Northeast BC

From August 27–29, Minister of Health Josie Osborne toured Northeast BC to engage with health care professionals and community leaders. During her visit to Dawson Creek, she toured the new hospital site and met with Northern Health Relational Security Officers, Dawson Creek Mayor and Council, and MLA Larry Neufeld. The visit highlighted the hospital’s expanded services and its role in strengthening regional health care.

Other exciting news

Local artists bring the Peace Region to life in the new hospital

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is more than just a building – it's a reflection of the land, people, and stories that make our region so special. Through a community call-out, we selected stunning images from local photographers that will be featured as custom wall graphics throughout the facility. These works capture the spirit of Northern BC – from the resilience of the Peace River to the magic of the northern lights, and the quiet beauty of places like Muncho Lake and Dinosaur Lake.

Meet the artists behind the lens – including Bethany-Cerise Buchamer, Darcy Shawchek, Tracy Rondeau, Cameron Alexander, Kevin Xu, Aaron Patrimonio, Don Pettit, and Rick Phillips – and explore how their images will help create a welcoming, healing space for patients, families, and staff.

Retail Food and Beverage Services Opportunity at the New Hospital

Northern Health Authority is conducting an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the opportunity to operate the café space in the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

The successful contractor will provide retail food and beverage services to staff, visitors and the public in the new hospital. The contractor will not be responsible for providing meals for patients.

The café space is approximately 75 square metres (800 square feet) and will operate as a kiosk-style offering, with food prepared off-site and heated on-site. Examples of food offerings include coffee, ready-to-eat meals such as soup, sandwiches, salads, tea, etc. The food offerings shall include a variety of fresh, affordable and healthy food items for a broad range of customer needs.

Interested? Applicants are required to submit a proposal following the instructions outlined in the Expression of Interest - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital document.

You can also access and view the opportunity on BC Bid: BC Bid - Expression of Interest - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital

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Categories: Quarterly Update