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The artists behind the images featured throughout the new hospital
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The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is more than a place of healing – it’s a reflection of the land, people, and stories that make the Peace Region so special. As part of our community engagement efforts, we recently launched a call-out seeking local and regional images to be used on custom graphics that will be displayed throughout the facility. These images are more than decoration – they are windows into the lives and landscapes of Northern BC.
Meet the artists whose images will help create a welcoming, comforting environment for patients, families, and staff.
Bethany-Cerise Buchamer
Bethany-Cerise Buchamer has called the Peace Region home since the early 2000s. She is a mother to several children born in the region and she is grateful for being able to build deep connections with the land and its people throughout the years. Her photography is rooted in emotion and place, capturing the quiet strength and beauty of the Peace River Valley.
Her featured image is of the Peace River and was taken beside the Site C spillway. It is a powerful metaphor for resilience. It speaks to the courage required to navigate life’s turbulent waters and the promise of calm that lies beyond.
“Even the strongest currents cannot anchor my soul, for beyond the turbulence lie gentle new beginnings.”
Bethany’s work is a tribute to the healing power of nature and the importance of community. She is honored that her artwork will help create a welcoming environment for patients, families, and staff and contributes to a space that will support others in their own journeys of recovery and renewal.
Level 1 - Registration Kiosks
Peace River beside the Site C spillwayDarcy ShawchekDarcy Shawchek’s artistic journey began with a second-hand film camera purchased in Fort St. John in 1996. That camera sparked a passion for chasing night sky, storms, and sunsets while capturing the drama of the Peace Region’s skies. Though he lost his early work to theft in 2002, his love for photography endured. In 2013, a digital camera gifted by his family reignited his creative fire.
Darcy’s image “Roy’s Potato Patch” is deeply personal. Taken along the Peace River near the mouth of the Kiskatinaw River during a northern lights solar storm, it shows a field planted by his grandfather – a place of abundance, tradition, and family memory.
“It is a very special place. There were never not enough potatoes and there were always some left over at the end of the year. They were the best potatoes.”
His second image of a sunflower patch is a celebration of serendipity – being in the right place at the right time. Darcy’s work is infused with nostalgia and reverence for the land, making it a perfect fit for a space dedicated to care and reflection.
Level 1 - Medical Imaging Waiting Room
Along the Peace River at the mouth of the Kiskatinaw River
Level 2 - Maternity Unit Waiting Area
The right place, at the right timeTracy RondeauTracy Rondeau lives in Fort Nelson, BC, and though she wasn’t born there, the region has captured her heart. Photography became a way for her to slow down and appreciate the world around her – especially during quiet moments with her family in nature.
Her first image, taken at a rest area on Highway 29 near Hudson’s Hope, shows the Peace River before the Site C Dam was completed. It’s a poignant reminder of how landscapes change and how photography can preserve memory.
“This photo was taken before that part of the river was flooded. I feel lucky to have a photo that holds that moment.”
Her second image was taken just off the Alaska Highway, north of Fort Nelson and was overlooking the creek at the bottom of Babba Canyon. It captures a spontaneous stop with her husband and daughter and is a testament to the beauty of unplanned moments and the joy of simply being present.
Tracy is honored to be part of this initiative alongside so many other talented artists. She hopes her photos bring comfort or familiarity to those who spend time in the space, even if it’s a small reminder that the beauty around us can make a tough day feel a little lighter.
Level 1 - Laboratory Waiting Area
Rest area on Highway 29 near Hudson's Hope
Level 1 - Visiting Specialists Waiting Area
Babba CanyonCameron Alexander
Cameron Alexander grew up just outside Fort St. John and has always been drawn to adventure and the outdoors. His photography journey began a decade ago with a DSLR camera and countless hours spent exploring nature with his best friend.
His featured image, taken on the Sukunka Forest Service Road during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, captures the breathtaking Sukunka Valley. It was taken during a week-long escape into the woods – a time of reflection and reconnection.
“It reminds me to take a breath every once in a while, look around, and enjoy myself.”
Cameron’s work is rooted in exploration and perspective. He believes every photographer brings a unique lens to the world, and he’s excited to share his with those who use and visit the new hospital.
Level 3 - Mental Health Patient Dining/Lounge
Sukunka Valley Service RoadKevin Xu
Kevin Xu has spent over a decade capturing the landscapes and wildlife of the Canadian North. His journey began in the High Arctic, driven by a desire to share its beauty with friends in the south. After moving to Fort Nelson, he fell in love with the region’s natural wonders. Now living in Inuvik, Kevin still makes annual drives along the Alaska Highway to reconnect with Northern BC.
His first image is of Muncho Lake, which is a beloved camping spot for Fort Nelson locals. It’s a place of peace and escape – a scenic and peaceful retreat where you can unwind over the weekend and leave your worries behind.
His second image of Sikanni Chief Falls is a hidden gem in Northern BC. Reaching this spot is part of the adventure – requiring a 4x4 vehicle, good tires, and an attitude for exploration. But the best part? You're rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking view.
“I genuinely look forward to bringing some positivity and calm to a time that can often feel scary and overwhelming.”
Kevin’s work brings the wild serenity of Northern BC into the new hospital, offering patients and visitors a visual breath of fresh air.
Level 1 - Emergency Department Waiting Room
Muncho Lake
Level 1 - Gift Shop
Sikanni Chief FallsAaron PatrimonioAaron Patrimonio’s passion for photography began in 2013 when he moved to the Middle East for work. He immersed himself in the craft, taking both basic and advanced photography courses and eventually turning his hobby into a professional pursuit. By 2016, Aaron was capturing events and onsite projects and entering photography competitions – winning numerous awards both locally and internationally.
Aaron moved to Dawson Creek in 2023 and continued with his photography throughout the Peace Region. His selected image was taken from the 208 Road during sunset and captures the iconic Bear Mountain Wind Park, a landmark that has come to symbolize his new beginning in Canada.
“The view of the Wind Park will always be a landmark for Dawson Creek and to me as a newcomer.”
Aaron is proud to be part of this initiative, which he sees as a meaningful way for artists to share their talents and contribute to a space of healing and inspiration.
Level 2 - Inpatient Unit Family Lounge
Bear Mountain Wind ParkDonald Pettit
Don Pettit is a long-time professional photographer based in Dawson Creek, known for his deep commitment to documenting and preserving the natural beauty of the Peace River Region. His work has been published in several large-format books, including The Peace: An Exploration in Photographs, a national bestseller, and The Peace: A History in Photographs, which was short-listed for a BC Book Prize.
Don’s selected image is a high-resolution panoramic view of the Peace River Valley near Fort St. John, stitched together from multiple photographs. It captures the grandeur of a landscape that has since been dramatically altered by the construction of the Site C dam.
“Just upstream from this photo is the new Site C dam, which has destroyed the Peace River valley for 80 kilometers. I hope my photograph captures at least a hint of the beauty that was lost forever.”
As a naturalist and environmentalist specializing in renewable energy, Don advocates for sustainable alternatives like wind power. He sees this project as a vital opportunity to showcase regional artistry and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems.
Level 1 - Emergency Department Quiet/Bereavement Room
Peace River Valley near Fort St. JohnRick Phillips
Raised and rooted in Northern British Columbia, Rick Phillips has spent most of his life immersed in the landscapes and communities of the North. His passion for photography was sparked in childhood by family members who nurtured his curiosity, eventually transforming it into a lifelong pursuit.
"The North has given me the opportunity, by its people and its beauty, to explore several types of photography."
Rick’s selected image was captured at Dinosaur Lake near Hudson’s Hope, where a calm night and an active sky gave rise to a fleeting but powerful display of the Aurora Borealis – photographed just before sunrise.
Rick is honoured to have his work featured in the new hospital and hopes that all who view the images throughout the space will find comfort, curiosity, and connection in the visual stories they tell.
Level 0 - Morgue Viewing Room
Dinosaur Lake near Hudson's Hope -
Open House Recap: Thank you for joining us!
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On March 12, 2025, we hosted a community open house for the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project, welcoming over 50 enthusiastic community members who were interested in learning about the exciting developments of the new hospital. The event was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with project team representatives, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the future of health care in our region.
The President of Métis Nation BC, Walter Mineault, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks. He expressed excitement for the new hospital and emphasized its crucial role in serving our community and attracting health care professionals to the region. His words resonated deeply with everyone present, setting a positive tone for the evening.
Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with meaningful conversations. Attendees engaged with project team representatives, discussing various aspects of the new hospital, and sharing their hopes and expectations. The sense of community and collaboration was noticeable, making the event truly memorable.
We also encouraged attendees to share their thoughts and input about the new hospital with us. Here are the common themes from the engagement boards:
What services/features are most important to you in the new hospital?
The most important services and features highlighted include adequate staffing, which was the most frequently mentioned. Many emphasized the need for enough staff to keep the emergency department open 24 hours a day and to have more doctors available. The importance of a fully functional emergency department was also stressed, along with the need for an ambulance bay capable of handling multiple ambulances at once. Supportive services and programs for mental health and addictions were commonly mentioned, as well as the necessity of having medical imaging to avoid costly private services. Additionally, advocacy for patients who need to travel for care to other communities was another recurring theme.
What is one word to describe how you want the new hospital to look and feel?
Community members want the new hospital to have a modern appearance and a welcoming atmosphere. The need for state-of-the-art facilities was frequently mentioned, along with the importance of having well-marked directions to various departments.
How will the new hospital benefit the community?
The new hospital is expected to provide significant benefits to the community. Many community members highlighted the importance of single-occupancy rooms for improved patient care. The need for more space and beds was frequently mentioned, along with the expectation that the new hospital will help recruit and retain medical staff, indicating its importance to the community.
What are you most excited about with the new hospital?
Community members are most excited about the state-of-the-art medical equipment that the new hospital will have. The prospect of having more doctors who will stay in the community was another common theme. Increased bed capacity and the availability of more medical imaging devices were frequently mentioned. Additionally, there was excitement about not having to travel to Fort St. John for services.
We were also thrilled to have generous door prizes donated by local businesses, including Deep Physio, True North Fitness, South Peace Chiropractic, Dawson Creek Golf & Country Club, City of Dawson Creek, and Dawson Creek Health Food Centre. These contributions added a special touch to the event, and many attendees left with wonderful prizes.In addition, the DCDH Foundation launched a new raffle and the DCDH Auxiliary launched a new fundraising campaign.
The DCDH Foundation’s "Gift of Flight Raffle” offers a chance to win a roundtrip flight for two to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit https://dchospitalfoundation.rafflenexus.com.
The DCDH Auxiliary’s “Sock It Away” campaign is for the purchase of a Tovertafel machine for Rotary Manor. The Tovertafel is a projector that provides a variety of interactive games designed to improve the quality of life for dementia patients. They are fundraising for $19,500 for each machine. As a small group of dedicated volunteers, each and every donation is greatly appreciated. To learn more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078961200394
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who took the time to attend and contribute to the success of the Open House. Your support and enthusiasm are invaluable as we move forward with this important project.
Stay tuned for future events, as we hope to host another open house next year! We look forward to continuing this journey together and making a positive impact on health care in our community.
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Exploring Health Care Careers: 2025 Adventures in Health Care Program
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Members from the DCDH Project Team had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Adventures in Health Care program in Dawson Creek on March 11, 2025.
The Adventures in Health Care program is an initiative designed to introduce high school students to a variety of health care careers and pathways. The program, which engages students through hands-on activities, workshops, and interactions with professionals, aims to inspire the next generation of health care workers.
During the program, 36 students in Grades 10 and 11 from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge had the opportunity to learn about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital project. They met with our project team members and heard firsthand about our career journeys in health care. This interaction provided valuable insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities within the health care sector.
One of the highlights of our involvement was an interactive activity where we divided the students into groups and rotated through various stations. Each station featured prompting questions designed to spark discussion and reflection.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the students' responses:
What qualities make a great health care team?
- Communication: Emphasized repeatedly as good communication is crucial for effective teamwork.
- Teamwork: Highlighted as essential for collaboration and achieving common goals.
- Empathy and Compassion: Important for understanding and caring for patients' needs.
- Patience and Resilience: Necessary for handling stressful situations and maintaining perseverance.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Vital for making informed decisions and finding solutions.
- Leadership and Accountability: Key for guiding teams and taking responsibility.
- Continuous Learning and Growth Mindset: Important for staying updated with new knowledge and technologies.
- Positivity and Motivation: Essential for maintaining a positive work environment and encouraging others.
- Technical Skills and Knowledge: Required for performing tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Adaptability and Open-mindedness: Important for adjusting to new situations and embracing diverse perspectives.
What excites you about working in the new hospital once it’s complete?
- New Technology and Equipment: Enthusiasm for using advanced tools and machines.
- Improved Work Environment: Anticipation of a modern, spacious, and well-designed facility.
- Better Patient Care: Expectation of enhanced resources and spaces to provide superior care.
- Opportunities for Research and Learning: Excitement about exploring new topics and discovering innovations.
- Positive Atmosphere: Looking forward to a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Increased Job Opportunities: Hope for more roles and career growth within the new hospital.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Desire for better connections between departments and teamwork.
- Modern Infrastructure: Appreciation for the updated layout and functionality of the new hospital.
What area of health care are you interested in?
- Nursing: Various specializations including pediatric, neonatal, travel, and operating room nursing.
- Medical Specialties: Interests in fields like anesthesiology, dermatology, cardiology, and radiology.
- Mental Health: Focus on roles such as psychologists, mental health clinicians, and social workers.
- Technical Roles: Interest in positions like lab techs, ultrasound techs, and MRI techs.
- Research and Academia: Aspirations to work in research, medical imaging, and as medical professors.
- Primary Care: Roles such as family doctors and nurse practitioners.
What inspired you to pursue a career in health care?
- Personal Experiences: Many were inspired by family members, personal health struggles, or experiences in hospitals.
- Desire to Help Others: A common motivation to make a difference and support those in need.
- Interest in Science and Medicine: Fascination with the human body, diseases, and medical advancements.
- Influence of Media: Inspiration from TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Good Doctor."
- Financial Stability: Recognition of the good pay and job security in the health care field.
- Community Impact: A drive to improve the well-being of their community and contribute positively.
These themes reflect the values, motivations, and aspirations of individuals in the Adventures in Health Care Program. Our team was thrilled to be part of this initiative, helping to guide and inspire the future of health care. We look forward to participating in this event again next year!
Pictured from left to right: Sarah Wilson, Project Director; Jennifer Dunn, Clinical Lead; Bart DeVries, Project Manager; Shirley Nichol, Operational Readiness Lead; Ramona Daly, Project Coordinator; Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement & Communications Liaison; Bhavesh Joshi, Project Manager; Byron Stewart, Northeast Recruitment & Retention Ambassador. -
Site tour with Northern Lights College
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Recently, the Northern Lights College (NLC) Executive and Health Sciences teams joined us for a tour to see the remarkable progress being made on the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital, which will soon improve health care services in our community.
We would like to recognize the ongoing collaboration between NLC and Graham Design-Builders over the last year – they have been an exceptional neighbour since construction started.
NLC allowed Graham to lease a portion of their land for the site offices complex and temporary parking lot for site workers, which has been invaluable. This has ensured that construction activities proceed smoothly without disrupting the daily operations of the college.
In return, we supported NLC by providing them with excavated dirt and fill for future projects on their campus. This mutually beneficial exchange has not only helped manage resources efficiently but also contributed to the college's development plans.
We also worked together to ensure that students, staff, visitors, and community members were well informed about the closure of the rear access road into the campus. This closure had a major impact those coming to the campus and construction site and NLC's cooperation made this process very smooth.
As part of the Hospital Replacement project, we will be straightening out the rear access road into the NLC Campus. This improvement will enhance accessibility and safety for everyone using the road.
NLC plays a crucial role in our community, especially in health care programming and recruitment. Their Health & Human Services programs train the next generation of health care professionals, ensuring that our region has a steady supply of skilled workers. NLC's commitment to education and training helps meet the growing demand for health care services and supports the recruitment of qualified staff for our new hospital.
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Farewell to Hank and Dan: Dawson Creek's Towering Heroes
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As the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital rises to meet the skyline, we say farewell to the two towering figures who have become local celebrities – Hank and Dan, the mighty tower cranes. These mechanical marvels have not only played a crucial role in the construction of our new hospital but have also captured the hearts and imaginations of our community.
Installed to help build the new hospital, Hank and Dan quickly became more than just construction equipment. They were symbols of the quick and exciting progress being made and were visible from almost every corner of Dawson Creek. Their presence sparked excitement and curiosity, turning a construction site into a community landmark.
The cranes' journey began when Ken Scott, a local nurse, named them Hank and Dan, after Vancouver Canucks legends, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. This transformed the cranes from cold, impersonal machinery into characters in the story of our new hospital. They became a topic of daily discussions with photos being posted of them on social media, children pointing them out and calling them the “Christmas Cranes”, and adults appreciating their engineering expertise.
On November 14, we said goodbye to Hank (tower crane #1) as he was carefully dismantled and removed from the site. Yesterday, December 4, we also said goodbye to Dan (tower crane #2). Their departure marks the end of an era but also reminds us of the power of progress as we look forward to the opening of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital in Spring 2027.
So, here's to Hank and Dan – our towering heroes. Thank you for lifting our spirits and helping build a brighter future for health care in Dawson Creek.
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Northern Health and Graham float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade
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We were thrilled to join forces with Graham to enter a float in the Annual Fall Fair Parade!
This event, as part of the Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede week, was an amazing opportunity for us to get involved in the community and celebrate our shared commitment to improving health care in our community and region.
Our float was centered around the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital and featured vibrant decorations and renderings of the new hospital. It was great to see that it captured attention and admiration from spectators along the route.
Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the parade, celebrate with us, and show their community spirit!
We’d like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our volunteers from the current hospital and Rotary Manor for walking alongside the float and for handing out goodies to spectators. Your enthusiasm and dedication were truly inspiring and helped make our participation in the parade a success.
Another special shoutout to Stephen McInnis, DCDH Maintenance Supervisor, for his incredible work in building and decorating the float. Stephen’s creativity and hard work brought our vision to life and made our float a standout feature of the parade.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Annual Fall Fair Parade and look forward to many more occasions to get involved with our wonderful community.
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Name those cranes!
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If you’ve been to the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH), you might be familiar with Ken – a registered nurse that has worked in the emergency department and ambulatory care for several years. Many people from the South Peace region know and love Ken and have been recipients of his nursing care. He’s well-respected and a pillar of the DCDH family.
If you know Ken, you’ll also know that he’s a Vancouver Canucks super-fan! He’s very passionate about his beloved Canucks and his community and sometimes wears his Canucks scrubs to work. He’s also very supportive and excited about the DCDH Replacement Project and posts regularly about the exciting progress being made on site.
Ken recently made tribute to two hard-working pieces of equipment that have taken over the Dawson Creek skyline and play a crucial role in the construction of the new hospital – the tower cranes!
Ken has “named those cranes!” based on the fact that they mirror the hard work and dedication of Canucks legends Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Ken identifies the larger crane as Hank (aka Henrik) since he is the “older” twin (only by six minutes!) and the smaller crane is Daniel.
Interested in learning more about the important role that cranes play on construction sites? Check out these photos of Tower Crane 1 (aka Henrik) being installed.
Check out this timelapse video of Tower Crane 2 (aka Daniel) being installed.
Do you have a fun and creative name for the cranes? Comment below!
