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Construction ahead of schedule! A major milestone for the new hospital
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Some exciting news about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital project! Construction is progressing ahead of schedule and as a result, we've received notice from Graham Design-Builders that the substantial completion date has moved from November 30, 2026 to September 29, 2026—two months ahead of schedule!
Advancing the substantial completion date is a major achievement—and a testament to hard work by many partners and contributors. It brings us significantly closer to opening a brand new, state-of-the-art hospital that reflects the needs, values, and cultures of Dawson Creek and the Peace Region.
What does “substantial completion” mean?
Substantial completion marks the point when the building is sufficiently complete and safe for Northern Health to take ownership of the facility. While there may still be minor finishing touches, cleanup, or adjustments required, the hospital is considered fully constructed with functioning systems.
In practical terms, this is when Graham formally hands over the building—keys included—and Northern Health assumes responsibility for preparing the hospital for patient care.
What does this mean for opening day?
Because construction is ahead of schedule, our Go-Live / Opening Day will also be earlier than planned. There’s still work and planning to be completed prior to determining the new opening day date. But we’ll provide an update once we know more!
What happens between substantial completion and opening day?
Once we receive the keys to the building, we enter a critical activation and transition phase. These months are essential to ensuring that our physicians, nurses, support staff, and operational teams are fully prepared to deliver care in the new space.
A lot of work happens behind the scenes before the hospital opens its doors to patients, which includes:
✔ Staff Training, Orientation, and Education
- Staff will receive in-depth training on new equipment, updated workflows, safety procedures, and the layout of the facility.
- Teams will learn how to work in their new environment and adapt to redesigned workflows so they’re confident and well‑prepared.
- Staff will take part in hands‑on learning to ensure safe, high‑quality care from day one.
✔ Simulation and Dry-Run Exercises
- Teams practice real-world scenarios to ensure that care is delivered safely, efficiently, and consistently from day one.
- These exercises help identify gaps, test new processes, uncover concerns, and build staff confidence.
- This may include simulations of emergency codes and responses, patient journeys, interdepartmental coordination and patient workflows, patient transport routes for move day, testing wayfinding and routing, and much more.
✔ Furniture and Equipment Installation
- From beds to technology to medical equipment, everything must be installed and tested before we can welcome patients.
✔ Systems Testing & Safety Checks
- IT systems, emergency responses, mechanical systems, and clinical workflows undergo rigorous testing. Remaining deficiencies are corrected, systems are re-tested, and the building is prepared to welcome patients and families.
- This careful and deliberate preparation ensures that the hospital is fully equipped, staff are supported, and patient safety is at the center of every decision.
- We look forward to sharing more updates as we move through this exciting next phase of the project.
Emergency department - treatment rooms (left), care station (right)
Emergency department - treatment rooms
Emergency department - Clinical decision unit treatment spaces
Clinical decision unit treatment space
Inpatient unit room
Maternity unit - Care station
Surgery - pre- and post-op treatment spaces
Visiting specialists treatment room -
FAQ: What's going to happen to the current DCDH?
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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!
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Infographic: Comparison between current vs. new DCDH
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Interested in learning more about what the current Dawson Creek & District Hospital has in comparison to what the new hospital will have? Check out this infographic that compares the facility sizes, treatment spaces, programming and services, inpatient beds, and parking spaces!
Download a copy of the infographic to share with your family, friends, and extended network.
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Employment opportunities with Northern Health at the current and future DCDH
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Download a copy of the DCDH Employment Flyer to share with friends, family or colleagues.
There are a number of positions that need to be filled at the current and future Dawson Creek & District Hospital including:
- Care Aide
- Cook
- Dietitian
- Facility and Maintenance Worker
- Food Services Worker
- Health Information Professional
- Housekeeper
- Indigenous Health Service Assistant
- Indigenous Care Coordinator
- Laboratory Clerk
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Medical Laboratory Clerk & Technologist
- Medical Imaging Technologist
- Mental Health Clinician & Staff
- Nursing Unit Clerk
- Occupational & Physio Therapist
- Patient Reception Staff
- Pharmacist & Pharmacy Staff
- Physician
- Registered Nurse
- Registration Clerk
- Relational Security Officer
- Respiratory Therapist
- Social Worker
- Stores Attendant
See all current opportunities and apply online at: jobs.northernhealth.ca/
Key contacts for future opportunities:
Northern Health Staff Recruitment
Note: Please do not use this email to submit your resume. Instead, apply online via one of the links below.
Physician Recruitment
Indigenous Recruitment
indigenousrecruitment@northernhealth.ca
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Renderings: Public Interior Spaces
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Please note: Renderings are from the 95% design submission and are approximate and subject to change at any time. They are simulated views and information depicted is illustrative. The Design Builder makes no guarantee that what is depicted will ultimately appear as shown in the final design and construction.
Main entrance
Registration and waiting area
Public seating area and cafe, which will be operated by a third-party
Entrance to the spiritual room
Inside the spiritual room
Elevator lobby (Level 1)
Emergency Department registration and waiting room -
Renderings: Patient Rooms and Care Stations
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Please note: Renderings are from the 95% design submission and are approximate and subject to change at any time. They are simulated views and information depicted is illustrative. There is no guarantee that what is depicted will ultimately appear as shown in the final design and construction.
Typical inpatient room
Typical labour, delivery, recovery, post-partum (maternity) inpatient room 
Typical bariatric inpatient room
Typical isolation room
Mental health patient room
Inpatient unit east care station
Inpatient unit centre care station
Maternity (LDRP) care station
Convalescent care station -
Site plan
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Please note: The site plan is approximate and subject to change at any time. All renderings are simulated views and information depicted is illustrative. The Design Builder makes no guarantee that what is depicted will ultimately appear as shown in the final design and construction. Plant species illustrated may not be representative of the final species or maturity of the plants selected during the detailed design stage.
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First look at the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital
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Please note: Renderings are from the 60% design submission and are approximate and subject to change at any time. These are simulated views and information depicted is illustrative. The Design Builder makes no guarantee that what is depicted in the renderings will ultimately appear as shown in the final design and construction. Plant species illustrated may not be representative of the final species or maturity of the plants selected during the detailed design stage.
Aerial view of front of building
Proximity to old facility 
View from 112 Ave 
View from southeast
View from southwest -
Proponent selected and contract signed for new Dawson Creek hospital
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People in Dawson Creek and area are one step closer to better access to care as a preferred proponent has been selected and the contract signed, with construction starting in July for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital.
(Photo credits: Northern Lights College)
In co-ordination with Northern Health and Infrastructure BC, Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent on the project. Graham Design Builders LP will be responsible for completing the design and building the new hospital.
“Our government has reached an important milestone with the Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the selection of the preferred proponent and the signing of the Design Build Agreement,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “People in the community and the region should expect to see work at the site in the weeks and months ahead as construction begins on the new and expanded hospital in Dawson Creek, and this is fantastic news.”
Construction is expected to begin in July 2023, with substantial completion in fall 2026. The new hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2027.
“We are taking action to improve access to health care for every person in B.C., no matter where they live,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “This new hospital means that when people in Dawson Creek and surrounding communities need care they can access quality services without travelling long distances.”
The new building will be approximately 24,500 square metres (263,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, an increase of 24. The emergency department is also doubling in size. Treatment spaces are increasing from 10 to 15. The facility will continue to provide a range of surgical services, as well as chemotherapy, ambulatory care, radiology, clinical support and pharmacy services.
There will also be space for a laboratory, diagnostic imaging, as well as physical rehabilitation. New parents and families will be supported by a perinatal unit, including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms, and a nursery. Mental-health service delivery will be brought up to modern standards with a new inpatient suite and an increase of beds from 15 to 18.
“This announcement is wonderful news and an important investment for Dawson Creek and the network of communities served by the Dawson Creek and District Hospital,” said Colleen Nyce, chair of Northern Health’s board of directors. “This new facility will strengthen and improve health-care services for residents in the region, as well as the physicians and staff who provide care in this hospital.”
The hospital will be built in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral home of the Beaver, Cree, Saulteau, Sicannie (Sikanni), and Slavey. The hospital serves the communities of Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, communities of Kelly Lake, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations; as well as Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous populations within the Peace region of Treaty 8 territory.
Local First Nations are being consulted throughout the project to ensure that the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant. The new facility will include a spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths. There is also work being done to further the inclusion of Indigenous people within the facility and project, pending input and feedback from the committees and working groups.
The project cost is approximately $590 million, which will be shared between the Province through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District.
“This announcement is exciting news. The new hospital will provide a modern care facility for the residents of the Peace region for years to come,” said Leonard Hiebert, chair, Peace River Regional Hospital District. “The Peace River Regional Hospital District is a proud supporter of this new facility and we look forward to the start of construction on this very important project.”
The existing hospital will remain operational during construction. Future use of the current site will be determined after the new hospital is in operation.
Read the news release on the BC Gov News site - New hospital in Dawson Creek moves forward | BC Gov News
