In mid-October, a mysterious 120’ long by 72’ wide white Quonset hut appeared on the Southwest corner of the current hospital’s property.

We’ve heard a lot of theories about what’s inside the hut… ranging from a storage shed, to a greenhouse, to the set for the next Dexter sequel, to showrooms, to a laboratory. We can confirm that only one of those theories is somewhat accurate and it is showrooms.

Although, the Quonset hut isn’t exactly a traditional showroom as you would think, with brand new shiny pieces of medical equipment and an exact replica of the entire new hospital inside. But – it is constructed rooms with life-size replicas and mock-ups of key areas of the new hospital that we are showing to select groups.

Now you might be wondering, what’s the purpose of installing the Quonset hut? Well, it’s a key component of the ongoing design process and will remain in place until 100% of the design is complete.

Who is able to access the Quonset hut? Only select groups of physicians and health care staff are able to access the hut, which we refer to as “the users”. The users represent their areas of expertise and are selected or appointed to participate in the ongoing design process. The Quonset hut is not open to the public. We understand that you are curious to see what the design of the new hospital will look like. We can assure you that when we’re able to share more details about the design with the public, we will. Stay tuned!

How does the ongoing design process work? It’s broken down into four phases – the 30%, 60%, 95% and 100% design submissions. In September, we received and reviewed the 30% design submission from the Design-Builder. Prior to approving the submission, the Design-Builder delivered the first mock-up in a virtual format with 3D drawings of key areas to help the users visualize features of the rooms and provide relevant feedback. We are now progressing towards the 60% design submission.

On November 14 and 15, the users were guided through the hut for the second series of mock-ups to experience certain design features of each room. The users’ feedback will be incorporated in the 60% design submission.

This mock-up has fully constructed walls with 1:1 prints of elements of the room covering the walls and floors – such as millwork, services, furniture and equipment, IMIT device locations, and power and data receptacle locations.

The rooms included in the second mock-up are:

• Labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum room
• Nursing station
• Medication room
• Soiled utility room
• Exam room
• Emergency – Resuscitation/trauma room
• Emergency – Exam/treatment room
• Medical in-patient bedroom and washroom
• Typical patient room
• In-patient bariatric room
• Isolation room
• Anteroom

The next step in the ongoing design process is the Design-Builder submitting the 60% design submission with feedback from recent User Consultation Meetings and the second mock-up being incorporated. When the project team reviews the 60% design submission, the Design-Builder will begin working towards the 95% design submission.

During the next design phase (60-95%), a third mock-up will be constructed inside the Quonset hut which will build on details from the second and include actual materials and finishes.

Introducing you to those working on the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project.

Nathan Salomon – Project Director

As the Project Director, Nathan is responsible for leading the development of the new hospital. He is an experienced infrastructure professional and has worked across a wide range of sectors, including energy, justice, health care, K-12 schools, and transportation throughout British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and earned his designation as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder in 2010. In his free time, Nathan enjoys running and skiing, along with exploring the outdoors with his wife, two young children and the family’s energetic Bernedoodle named Panda.

Bart DeVries – Project Manager

In the role of Project Manager, Bart supports the hospital redevelopment project team. He has 20 years of healthcare experience, most recently directing a new hospital redevelopment in Southern Ontario. His first experience on the project was as the furniture and equipment consultant in 2019. His career has included a mix of consulting and owner roles, which gives him unique perspective. Bart’s experience has been almost exclusively in alternative procurement models such as the progressive design-build model used for Dawson Creek. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and has a Lean Green Belt (Healthcare).

Ramona Daly – Project Coordinator

As Project Coordinator, Ramona is involved in a variety of layers in this complex and exciting building process. Ramona is a long-term Northern Health employee, who worked in various administrative assistant roles from 2003-2021. She also worked in Leadership prior to becoming part of the DCDH Replacement Project team.

Jennifer Dunn – Clinical Lead

Jennifer has a long history with Northern Health, working in a variety of front-line and nursing leadership roles. Now as the Clinical Lead for the Hospital project, Jenn will be using her skills to ultimately make the clinical details of the new hospital a reality. Jennifer is responsible for liaising between the staff and Design-Builder, providing clinical input into the design, incorporating clinical processes to ensure consistency, and facilitating user group meetings to hear and respond to feedback and input from clinicians throughout the duration of the project.

Richard Bygrave – Information Management Information Technology Lead

Richard brings 40 years of IMIT experience to the project. This ranges from desktop support in Fort St John, Team Leader for the Acute Care Applications support team in Prince George and Project Management for various hospital builds. His broad, well-rounded experience will help the team manage changing technology in our ever-increasing digital world. In his off-time Richard enjoys exploring the back country whether on ATV or horseback.

Ashley Pannozzo – Community Engagement Liaison

Ashley is responsible for supporting the communications and engagement needs of the project which includes strategic communications to internal and external audiences, network and relationship development, community and Indigenous engagement, and building awareness of the project. Ashley has experience in healthcare, post-secondary education, sports, radio, and television. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital Media Marketing from George Brown College. Ashley is looking forward to working with the team and contributing to the new hospital build.

Mark Hendricks – Communications Lead

Mark leads the planning and implementation of communications processes for capital projects across the Northern Health region. This includes public engagement, stakeholder and government relations, media relations, special events, online (social media and web) communications, and emergency communications. Mark is based in Prince George and will be working with Ashley to coordinate activity within Dawson Creek. Mark previously worked in Medical Affairs where he worked with Physicians and Medical Staff to ensure they were informed and able to contribute to NH policy. Mark enjoys creating good food, riding his motorcycle, and games.

Deb Taylor – Finance Lead

Deb is responsible for the projects financial budgeting and reporting and will review anything with financial impacts, including scope changes. All of our financial needs and wants will be analyzed by Deb. She holds her CPA, CGA designation, and has been in the accounting field for over 20 years, with 11 years at Northern Health supporting various areas such as Home and Community Care, Program Councils, and currently, Capital Projects. Along with spending time with her family, Deb enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, and is an accomplished pianist who once participated in an award-winning piano quartet.

Emily Suchy – Senior Associate

Emily will support the team with equipment planning and contract management activities. Emily has experience working on a variety of projects, with a focus on health care and accommodation. For several years she had worked on the planning of courthouses and correctional facilities, and child care related projects. She has a background in architecture from the University of Toronto, and is excited to work on the design and construction components of the new hospital.

Bhavesh Joshi – Senior Associate

Bhavesh has over 9 years of experience in Mechanical Design and Project Management in various sectors including hospitals, affordable housing and commercial. He will assist in technical, project management and construction administration related activities. Bhavesh earned his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York University in 2012 and in 2023, completed his MBA from Simon Fraser University. He is an avid fan of Formula 1, loves playing Cricket and would not miss a chance to go on nature walks with his partner and English Cream Retriever, Mabel.

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

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we acknowledge the history and legacy of the residential school system, honour the survivors, and remember the children who did not return home. We are committed to acknowledging the long-lasting effects of this history and educating ourselves about the impact it has had on Indigenous peoples, families, and communities.

Northern Health and the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project Team are committed to developing and implementing an engagement and communication strategy that is founded on recognition, respect, co-operation, and partnership with local Indigenous communities and partners.

The Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) serves the communities of the Peace Region, the Treaty 8 First Nations and Kelly Lake Cree Nation. We are grateful to live and work in Treaty 8 territory, on the traditional lands of those Nations represented in the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, the ancestral home of the Sicannie (Sikanni), Slavey, Beaver (Dane-Zaa), Cree, and Saulteau. We also acknowledge Métis Nation BC Citizens and Chartered Communities across the North.

The new state-of-the-art Dawson Creek and District Hospital will be designed to improve the care and healing environment for patients, promote culturally safe care and will be built with feedback gathered from local Indigenous communities, as well as stakeholders in Dawson Creek and surrounding communities.

In the early stages of the project, we formed a Capital Advisory Committee (CAC) in order to gather advice and recommendations on local and cultural considerations, patient experiences, First Nations engagement, culturally appropriate design input, and related topics. The CAC has representation from Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nations, Kelly Lake Cree Nation, the First Nations Health Authority, and Indigenous Health.

Over the coming months we will engage with local Indigenous communities, organizations, and groups for recommendations and advice pertaining to Indigenous cultural values and practices as they relate to capital projects. We will be forming an Indigenous Advisory Working Group (IAWG) which is envisioned to offer a safe space for Indigenous people’s input into design aspects of the project. The purpose of the IAWG 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, Moccasin Flats Métis Society and more.

Before any construction work begins on the land of the new hospital, we will work with local Indigenous communities to honour and recognize the relationship between the traditional territory of the Treaty 8 First Nations and the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project.

As the design of the new hospital progresses, we are working closely with the preferred proponent, Clark Builders-Turner-HDR-Architecture (the Design-Builder), to ensure that the new facility is welcoming, inviting, and supportive of the spiritual health of all people and that Indigenous cultural elements are demonstrated throughout the facility. This includes:

• Incorporating features that reflect and represent local Indigenous communities
• Visual representation of Indigenous culture such as artwork, colour schemes, artefacts, landscaping and plants used for traditional healing
• A non-denominational spiritual room to accommodate and support cultural ceremonies, extended family, and multi-generational involvement in care
• Incorporating local Indigenous language, in addition to English, on select exterior and interior wayfinding signage

Note: The graphic used for this story was specially designed by Gitxsan artist Cori Johnson for Northern Health to recognize National Truth and Reconciliation/Orange shirt day. Read more about the graphic and the artist.

Project status update

Where we’ve come from

Where we’re at

The DCDH Replacement Project is currently in the procurement phase which consists of two parts – a technical submission and a financial submission. The technical submission ensures that the ongoing design is reflective of the project’s requirements which includes the design and construction schedules, design narratives, renderings, and draft management plans; and the financial submission addresses the costs of the project.

What’s next

Northern Health is working with the preferred proponent, Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture under a Design Early Works Agreement (DEWA) to advance the design of the new hospital. This year, they will be submitting the technical and financial proposals to Northern Health for review. If the submissions are accepted, the next step is signing a Design-Build Agreement (DBA) with Clark Builders-Turner-HDR to deliver the project. Once the DBA has been signed, construction will begin.

Project schedule

Capital projects are large undertakings that require a series of planning steps to ensure the facility is designed following the current and future evidence for health care facilities, and tendered and constructed for the best value. Additionally, this work is scheduled to ensure health care services are maintained during the construction period that will be over a couple of years. For all large projects, timelines can be impacted by a number of factors that may change over time. It’s in the best interest of the community and health care team to work through the project thoroughly to ensure that the facility is built to respond to future health care needs.

Next steps

Engagement

We have formed a Capital Advisory Committee (CAC) that has representation from local First Nations, the City of Dawson Creek, Peace River Regional Hospital District, First Nations Health Authority, and BC Patient Voices Network. This committee has already been providing input, advice, and recommendations to Northern Health on patient experiences, cultural considerations, consultations and communications, and First Nations engagement.

Right now, we are developing and working on community engagement for the City of Dawson Creek and surrounding areas, including First Nation communities to gather feedback related to the project.

We are and will continue to be working closely with Northern Health’s Indigenous Health team to actively engage with local Indigenous communities and groups throughout the duration of the DCDH Replacement Project. Shortly, we will form an Indigenous Advisory Working Group (IAWG) to gather input into design aspects as well as Indigenous culture and practices to ensure the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful, and relevant.

We will also form a Community Advisory Working Group (CAWG) consisting of stakeholders and community members. This working group will help us gather input relating to design aspects, and local culture, practices, and experience to ensure the facility reflects the health care service needs of Dawson Creek, surrounding communities, and local Indigenous communities.

Other exciting news

Dawson Creek Community Garden – Grand Opening

The Dawson Creek Community Garden was relocated from the Northwest corner of Northern Lights College's property in order to make space for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital. The relocation project was done in collaboration with the Dawson Creek Community Garden Society, Northern Lights College, Stantec Inc., and Northern Legendary Construction Ltd. Construction began in June 2021 and was completed in September 2021. We maintained and transferred architectural features from the old garden including the entryway gate and the metal memorial bench.

The Dawson Creek Community Garden Society hosted their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 18. The event included speeches from local dignitaries and those involved in the project, cupcakes, and a tour of the new site.

For more information

Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project 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

We are excited to share that we have relocated the Dawson Creek Community Garden and it is now open to the public!

The community garden was relocated from the Northwest corner of Northern Lights College's property in order to make space for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital. The relocation project was done in collaboration with the Dawson Creek Community Garden Society, Northern Lights College, Stantec Inc., and Northern Legendary Construction Ltd. Construction began in June 2021 and was completed in September 2021. We maintained and transferred architectural features from the old garden including the entryway gate and the metal memorial bench.

The Dawson Creek Community Garden Society hosted their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 18. Although it rained most of the morning, that didn’t damper the mood of those in attendance. The event started with speeches from Fern Hansen (President, Community Garden Society), Ashley Pannozzo (Community Engagement Liaison, DCDH Replacement Project), Katie MacLeod (Project Manager, Clark Builders), and Shaely Wilbur (Council Member, City of Dawson Creek). Following the speeches, attendees enjoyed cupcakes and a walk through the garden.

“This year, I’m looking forward to the community garden continuing to be well received and respected and for society members to continue to garden because we’re off to a fabulous start,” said Fern Hansen, President of the Dawson Creek Community Garden Society. “With the relocation, we’re so happy to have the new fence for protection, and the raised garden beds for easier access to gardening. They’re much more practical in terms of use, they look beautiful, and they’re easier to work with because you’re not crawling on the ground.”

Now that the community garden is officially open, citizens of Dawson Creek can get their hands dirty this planting season and grow locally, all while enjoying the company of fellow gardeners on the new site.

People in Dawson Creek and area are one step closer to a new hospital now that a preferred proponent has been selected for the design phase.

“The selection of the team that will design the new hospital means another important milestone has been reached for people in the region,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The new and bigger facility will deliver public health-care services to people in the South Peace for decades to come.”

The three proponents shortlisted for the Design Early Works Agreement (DEWA) were:

• Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture;
• SBW-Kinetic-Wright Construction with KRA and Gibbs Gage Architects; and
• Graham Design Builders and Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.

As a result of the evaluation process, in co-ordination with Northern Health and Infrastructure BC, Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture was selected.

A request for proposals for the DEWA was issued to the teams on March 16, 2021. A DEWA is a contractual agreement between the design-builder and Northern Health, which starts the design phase for the new hospital.

The next step is the Design-Build Agreement request for proposals. This involves Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture submitting design and cost proposals to Northern Health for the new hospital.

Execution of the Design-Build Agreement is anticipated to take place in 2022 and construction to begin shortly after. The hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2026.

The new building will be approximately 19,400 square metres (209,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, which is an increase of 24. The emergency department will also increase in size, with treatment spaces increasing from 10 to 15.

As well, the new 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 and diagnostic imaging, and a perinatal unit including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms and a nursery to support new parents and families. 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.

The new hospital will be located on the territory of Treaty 8 First Nations. Local First Nations will be consulted throughout the project to ensure culturally appropriate spaces are available, which will also include a non-denominational spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths.

The project budget is $377.86 million and will be shared by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District, which will contribute $150.2 million. The existing hospital will remain operational during the construction of the new hospital.

For more information, see the full Ministry of Health release.

Did you know that the new project management office used to be a cafeteria? You’d never know by looking at it!

This office within the Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) has been set up as a place for our project team to work on everything to do with the DCDH Replacement Project. The door to the project management office is always open for the staff of DCDH to grab a coffee and have a chat with the project team about what’s going on and provide any feedback they may have.

Check out the full renovation process here.

A special thanks goes out to the following for all their hard work in getting the space ready:

• The PMO Team
• Stephen McInnis, Maintenance Supervisor
• Mark McCorkell, Maintenance Worker
• Darcy Walker, Maintenance Worker
• Leo Gauley, Maintenance Worker, Plant Services
• Doyle Grayston, Maintenance Worker, Plant Building
• Brad Turner, Service Support Analyst
• Albert Sommerfeld, Director, Capital Development & Projects
• Leah Joseph, Coordinator, Capital Projects, Capital Planning

from the Ministry of Health

People in Dawson Creek and the surrounding region are one step closer to a modern hospital, as three candidates have been shortlisted for the request for proposals (RFP).

“People in Dawson Creek are closer to having a preferred proponent to design and build the new Dawson Creek and district hospital,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This announcement means people and families are closer to seeing what the hospital will look like, to construction starting and to the new hospital opening for patients.”

Northern Health requested and received proposals from four vendors, of which three were shortlisted. The proponents for this stage of the procurement process, the design-early works agreement (DEWA), are:

• Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture;
• SBW-Kinetic-Wright Construction with KRA and Gibbs Gage Architects; and
• Graham Design Builders and Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.

An RFP for the DEWA was issued to the shortlisted teams on March 16, 2021. At the end of the RFP process, one proponent will be selected. That proponent is expected to be announced this fall.

For more information, see the full news release.

Northern Health is currently in the business case planning stage for the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project.

Part of that planning requires some pre-engineering and testing work, a portion of which will take place on the Northwest corner of the Northern Lights College (NLC) property. NLC is supportive of this work and the disruption on that site will be minimal.