FAQ: What's going to happen to the current DCDH?

Updated in December 2025 with new information.

Many residents have been wondering what will happen to the current Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) once the new hospital opens.

Health care services will continue to be delivered at the current hospital while construction is underway on the new hospital – which is expected to be open, operational and ready for patients in Spring 2027.

Now, why are we building a new hospital instead of redeveloping the current one?

The current DCDH 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.

Recognizing these changes, the current hospital doesn’t align with current clinical and patient care standards and doesn’t comply with the current BC Building Code. These factors have an impact on patient and family experiences and the delivery of high-quality and efficient care.

There’s also more than what meets the eye when it comes to older buildings such as this. The infrastructure may appear to be in good standing, but it’s what you can’t see that contributes significantly to the need to replace the facility. The current facility has a poor Facility Condition Index, and its age causes deficiencies such as capacity constraints and functional issues.

While some may wonder if the newer section of the current hospital could be retained, this is not feasible. The newer section also does not meet today’s clinical and patient care standards and cannot operate independently. It relies heavily on the older portion of the building for essential mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Key services such as the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, and Laboratory are interconnected with systems housed in the older section. There is no practical way to sustain only one part of the building without the supporting infrastructure.

The new hospital is going to be a brand-new state-of-the-art facility that is built in compliance with national clinical and patient care standards as well as current design and construction codes.

Northern Health will continue to upgrade equipment and assets in the current hospital to ensure that we’re providing quality health care. Some of the newer equipment and assets that are in good working order will be moved into the new facility during the transition process.

Once the new hospital is open and operational, the current hospital will become inactive, be emptied out and then removed. This step is part of the approved Business Plan, which includes a full abatement process before demolition. Abatement is necessary because older buildings often contain hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead. These materials must be safely removed to protect workers, the community, and the environment, and to ensure the site meets all safety and environmental standards before redevelopment.

In early 2026, Northern Health intends to hire a consultant to prepare materials related to the abatement and demolition of the existing hospital using a procurement process. Following that, a tender process will be held to engage a construction firm to undertake the scope of work. The abatement and demolition of the existing hospital is targeted to take place once the new hospital is open and operational in Spring 2027.

After abatement and removal of the existing facility, the site will be cleared and turned back into developable land for potential future use .

We also acknowledge the tremendous community support over the past years through the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation who support the fundraising and purchasing of equipment required to improve and enhance health care services within the community.

We recognize that the current hospital has played a significant role in the lives of many staff and residents over the past 60+ years. There are ample memories and stories to be shared and there will be opportunities share those with us in the future to commemorate its legacy.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for legacy projects to commemorate the current hospital, please email LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

Stay tuned for more information!