Project Status Update

Exterior work is nearing completion, with concrete work finished and landscaping underway. The final layer of asphalt is expected to be installed later in August.

Inside the new hospital, most architectural construction work is complete. Crews are focused on finishing small touch-ups, installing equipment and furnishings, and preparing spaces for operations.

The project is also entering an important testing and commissioning phase. Building systems such as power, lighting, fire alarms and medical gases are being tested to make sure everything is working properly and safely before the hospital opens. Information technology teams are continuing to install and test the systems that will support patient care and day-to-day hospital operations.

Planning is also underway for the future demolition of the existing hospital once services have transitioned to the new facility. In recent days, a team from Stantec has been conducting site surveys of the existing building to support the development of detailed demolition plans and specifications. The demolition tender is currently anticipated to be released this fall.

Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

A significant amount of work has been taking place behind the scenes to prepare the new hospital for opening day. Over the past several months, we have been advancing operational readiness and facility activation planning activities to ensure the new facility is safe, functional, and ready to support patients, families, staff, and medical staff when services transition to the new site.

Clinical and operational teams have been reviewing patient care processes, workflows, room layouts, equipment locations, and support service operations to ensure they will function effectively in the new environment. Planning has now shifted into facility activation, which focuses on preparing the building for occupancy through equipment installation and testing, technology commissioning, supply stocking, workspace preparation, and workflow validation.

A key focus has been preparing teams for the larger footprint of the new hospital and the enhanced technology that will support patient care. New communication tools, digital systems, and equipment are being integrated into clinical workflows to support efficiency, collaboration, and patient safety throughout the facility.

At the same time, staff, medical staff, volunteers, and support teams are being prepared for the transition through the Orientation, Training, Simulation, and Implementation (OTSI) plan. Training plans are being developed alongside equipment installation and building readiness activities, while simulation exercises and "Day in the Life" scenarios will allow teams to practice working in the new environment, test workflows and communication systems, validate emergency response procedures, and build confidence before opening day.

Together, these activities will help ensure our teams are prepared to work safely and efficiently in the new facility and provide high-quality patient care from day one.

Move Planning

Health Care Relocations (HCR) has been working closely with project teams and operational leaders to support detailed planning for the transition to the new hospital.

Over the past several months, we have been developing department-specific move plans and refining the overall move schedule to support the transition of services, equipment, supplies, and patients to the new facility.

A major focus has been coordinating the relocation of equipment and supplies. We are working with vendors and support teams to establish timelines for equipment decommissioning, transportation, installation, testing, and recommissioning. This work will help ensure equipment is fully operational and ready to support patient care on opening day.

Planning is also underway for a patient transfer rehearsal, expected to take place approximately two months before opening day. This exercise will allow teams to test move-day processes, validate timelines, and confirm roles and responsibilities before the transition occurs.

While much of this work takes place behind the scenes, it is an important part of ensuring the new hospital is ready to safely welcome patients, families, staff, medical staff, and the community.

FAQ: What is being done to ensure the safe and effective move of patients to the new hospital?

While move day may seem straightforward, the transfer of patients requires months of detailed planning and coordination. Since May, our Patient Transfer Committee has been working with clinical leaders, operational teams, and HCR to develop the procedures that will guide the patient move.

This work includes determining the order and timing of patient moves, establishing transportation procedures, and developing protocols for medication management, infection prevention and control, patient identification, communications, and emergency response.

Patients and families will receive information closer to move day about what to expect, including how personal belongings will be transported to the new hospital.

The goal of this planning is simple: to ensure every patient is moved safely, comfortably, and with the support they need throughout the transition to the new hospital.

Engagement Initiatives

Over the past several months, we have continued to connect with residents, community organizations, local governments, and health partners to share updates on the new hospital and gather feedback about what matters most to the community.

Over the past several months, we have continued to connect with residents, community organizations, local governments, and health partners to share updates on the new hospital.

In May, we participated in the:

• South Peace Primary Care Network (PCN) Health Expo, where we met with community members and invited them to share what supports their health and well-being, as well as what they are most excited to see in the new hospital.
• North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Annual General Meeting, providing an opportunity to connect with local government leaders from across Northern and Central British Columbia and discuss the role major infrastructure investments play in supporting healthy communities.

In July, we participated in the:

• Community Connector Launch Party hosted by Dawson Creek Better at Home. The event celebrated the rebranding of the organization's Square One Program to the Community Connector Program. The launch provided an opportunity to share information about the new hospital while connecting with community members and service providers.

Request for Proposals: Retail Food and Beverage Contractor

We have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a food and beverage contractor to operate the café space in the new hospital.

Located near the main entrance, the café will serve staff, patients, visitors, and members of the public, helping create a welcoming and convenient amenity within the facility. The approximately 75-square-metre (800-square-foot) café is designed as a high-efficiency grab-and-go space that can serve a high volume of customers during busy periods.

Interested proponents can learn more and access the RFP package on Let's Talk DCDH or through BC Bid. Proposals must be submitted by 2:00 PM MST on July 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

FAQ: What spaces are available for families and visitors in the new hospital?

Throughout the facility, families and visitors will find a range of thoughtfully designed spaces that offer comfort, privacy, and flexibility when they need them most.

The main entrance will serve as a welcoming space, featuring natural light, comfortable seating, a café, and gift shop. The non-denominational spiritual room provides a quiet space for people of all faiths and cultures to pray, reflect, participate in cultural practices, or simply take a moment away from busy clinical areas.

Patient care areas include spaces that support family presence whenever appropriate. All inpatient rooms are private and include space for loved ones to stay close during care and recovery. Family lounges, dining areas, and gathering spaces throughout the facility will provide additional places for connection and support.

The hospital also includes dedicated spaces for difficult moments, including a private morgue viewing room and a quiet bereavement room in the Emergency Department. These spaces have been designed to offer privacy, dignity, and comfort when families need them most.

Outside, landscaped walking paths and seating areas will offer opportunities to get fresh air, spend time together, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Together, these spaces create a welcoming environment that supports not only patients, but their families and loved ones as well.

Featured Stories

• FAQ: What is being done to ensure the safe and effective move of patients to the new hospital?
• Request for Proposals: Retail Food and Beverage Contractor
  1. DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Services - Request for Proposals [PDF]
  2. DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Services - Appendices [DOC]
  3. DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Services - Licence Agreement [PDF]
• FAQ: What spaces are available for families and visitors in the new hospital?
• May engagement highlights: Connecting with community and regional leaders
• Featured in Business Elite Canada – April 2026
• A Project Update: April 2026
• Highlight: Staff amenities
• Monthly labour report - As of April 30, 2026 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of May 31, 2026 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of June 30, 2026 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - April 2026 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - May 2026 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - June 2026 [VIDEO]

Having a loved one in the hospital can be stressful, and the thought of moving to a new hospital may add to those concerns. That’s why Northern Health is taking a thoughtful, carefully planned approach to ensure that every patient is moved safely, comfortably, and with the support they need.

To help coordinate the transition, Northern Health is working with Health Care Relocations (HCR), an international organization that specializes in hospital moves. HCR has safely relocated over 500 hospitals worldwide and transferred tens of thousands of patients in a safe, effective manner.

In May, HCR formed the Patient Transfer Committee (PTC), a team dedicated to planning and overseeing the safe, organized transfer of patients from the current hospital to the new hospital. The committee consists of clinical and operational leaders, along with HCR team members, who will provide guidance and expertise during the planning process and will ensure that all protocols are followed on move day.

The PTC is developing a detailed and coordinated plan for a single day move which will involve a continuous flow of patients between facilities. Members of staff will be given a clearly defined role so that the focus can be entirely on patient care and safety.

To support the transition, the PTC is also developing several key resources for the move including the:

• Patient Transfer Sequence – Outlines the order and timing for patient moves
• Patient Transfer Protocols – Provides staff with the proper procedures to follow such as:
  • Medication Management
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Patient identification
  • Communications
  • Emergency Response Plans
• Patient Transfer Info Guide – Provides staff with information about their role, the move route, and timeline for the day.

Planning has been underway for the Patient Transfer Rehearsal in November, which is a walk-through of move day. The rehearsal will give staff an opportunity to walk through procedures, identify gaps, areas for improvement, timing issues, and build confidence ahead of the transition. The transfer team and hospital staff will each have additional virtual and in person training sessions which will be conducted by HCR leading up to move day.

In preparation for the move, the PTC, HCR, along with many Department Heads will continue to review and update plans and protocols to ensure they are ready and updated for the new hospital. This includes updating emergency response procedures (such as code blue and pink); housekeeping and equipment cleaning processes; patient meal services; security plan; elevator operations; pharmacy support; physician coverage; and patient census management.

As patient move day approaches, non-emergent (elective) procedures will gradually decrease to allow staff to focus on the patients. However, emergent procedures will continue as needed to ensure patients receive timely care.

The PTC has been meeting since May and will continue to meet monthly until the move day to keep everything on track.

Prior to the move, patients will receive information about what to expect before the move, including how their personal belongings will travel with them. Patients will be given a bag provided by HCR for their belongings during transport, and any flowers must be taken home by family and returned upon the patient getting settled in the new hospital.

By following these careful steps and procedures, all loved ones that are in the hospital at the time of the move will be well taken care of and looked after to ensure their safety and their comfort.

Northern Health has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Food and Beverage Contractor to operate the café space in the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital. The café will serve staff, visitors, and the public, helping create a welcoming and convenient amenity within the new hospital.

The successful proponent will operate a retail food and beverage service from an approximately 75-square-metre (800-square-foot) café space located near the main entrance of the hospital. The café is intended to function as a high-efficiency, grab-and-go environment designed to serve a high volume of customers during peak periods. Food offerings may include coffee, tea, cold drinks, soups, sandwiches, salads, and other ready-to-eat meals. Proponents must provide a variety of fresh, affordable, and healthy options that meet Northern Health’s Healthy Eating Guidelines. Alcohol and cannabis sales are prohibited.

The café space design is now finalized. Northern Health will supply key equipment for the space, including a display case, freezer, refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, shelving, hot water dispenser, and table.

Important dates:

• RFP Issue Date: July 6, 2026
• Question Submission Deadline: August 5, 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline: 2:00 PM MST on August 14, 2026

Late submissions will not be accepted.

How to apply

Interested proponents must submit:

• A completed Appendix A – Proposal Submission Form.
• Proof of Food Safe Level 1 Certification.
• Any supporting documentation required under the RFP.
• A proposal submitted in PDF format and clearly marked “DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Services – RFP.”

Proposals must be submitted by email to: Chelsey.Yaremichuk@northernhealth.ca

Questions regarding the RFP must also be submitted by email to the contact person no later than August 5, 2026. Phone inquiries and submissions through BC Bid will not be accepted.

Download the RFP package document:

• DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Service – RFP – Addendum 01
• DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Services – Appendices
• DCDH Retail Food and Beverage Services – Draft Licence Agreement

Northern Health welcomes proposals from qualified businesses interested in becoming part of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital and serving the hospital community for years to come.

You can also access and view the opportunity on BC Bid: Request for Proposals - Retail Food and Beverage Services - Dawson Creek and District Hospital - Lot : 1 / Amendment : 1: BC Bid

The new Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) is designed first and foremost to support safe, high-quality patient care. At the same time, there are moments when having space for loved ones nearby matters. Throughout the hospital, you’ll find a range of thoughtfully designed areas that offer comfort, privacy, and flexibility when patients and families need them. From quiet, private rooms to bright, shared spaces, every area has been designed to support connection, comfort, and care.

Welcoming spaces on arrival
The main entrance serves as a central point within the hospital, with natural light, clear sightlines, and comfortable seating. A café, gift shop, and the DCDH Foundation are all located nearby, creating a space that can support people as they come and go.

Adjacent to the main entrance, a non-denominational spiritual room is available for people of all faiths and cultures. This quiet, reflective space looks out onto the landscaped grounds and can be accessed as needed. It is designed to support cultural and spiritual practices, including smudging, and offers a place for rest, prayer, or reflection.

Spaces close to patient care areas
Across the hospital, patient care areas include spaces that can support families when appropriate:

• Emergency department: All treatment rooms are private and include additional seating so family members can stay close during care.
• Medical and surgical inpatient unit (IPU): All patient rooms are private and include space for loved ones to sit and visit. Two family lounges and dining areas provide spaces for visitors outside of patient rooms. These include comfortable seating and access to a microwave, ice and water dispenser, refrigerator, and hot water dispenser.
• Maternity unit: A quiet room within the unit provides a restful space for families outside of patient rooms. Each maternity room is private and includes comfortable seating, including a recliner for partners, family, or support people.
• Convalescent care unit: A shared dining and lounge area is available for patients and can also be used by families when not in use for meals or programming. This flexible space supports smudging and includes doors with built-in blinds for added privacy.
• Mental health unit (Level 3): A dedicated family visiting room provides a safe, comfortable place for loved ones to connect.

Thoughtfully designed spaces for difficult moments
On Level 0, the hospital includes a dedicated morgue viewing room, which is a new feature that is not available in the current hospital. This space has been carefully designed to offer privacy, dignity, and comfort during times of loss.

On Level 1 in the emergency department (ED), there is also a quiet/bereavement room. This space offers comfortable seating and a peaceful setting for patients and families who may need time away from busy clinical areas.

Spaces beyond the walls
Outside, landscaped areas with walking paths and seating offer opportunities to get fresh air, stretch, and spend time together in a natural setting.

In May, the Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project team continued to build connections across the region, participating in both community and regional engagement opportunities.

North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) AGM

Members of the DCDH Replacement Project team also attended the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Annual General Meeting in Prince George from May 20–22, 2026, alongside colleagues from Northern Health Capital Projects and the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) Acute Care Tower Project.

The event brought together local government leaders from across Northern and Central BC to discuss shared challenges and opportunities shaping their communities. Sessions focused on key themes such as infrastructure and economic development, offering valuable insight into the broader context in which major health projects like DCDH are being delivered.

A key highlight was the opportunity to connect with leaders from across the North, strengthening relationships and supporting ongoing collaboration as we work together to enhance health care infrastructure in the region.

South Peace Primary Care Network Health Expo

On May 24, the project was represented at the South Peace Primary Care Network (PCN) Health Expo in Dawson Creek. Centred on the theme of resilience, the event brought together community members, health partners, and organizations to explore how we can support stronger, healthier communities.

The DCDH project team connected with residents through an interactive engagement activity, inviting participants to share what supports their health and resilience, and what they are most excited about in the new hospital. The conversations highlighted the importance of accessible care close to home, staff recruitment and retention, patient comfort and privacy, mental health supports, and welcoming spaces.

We always value opportunities like the Health Expo to engage directly with community members, share updates, and highlight the exciting progress being made on the new hospital. As we move closer to opening day in early 2027, these conversations are an important way to build awareness and excitement for the future of health care in the Peace Region.

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project has been nationally recognized in the April 2026 edition of the Business Elite Canada magazine.

The feature highlights the project as a significant example of large‑scale health care infrastructure investment in Northeastern British Columbia, showcasing its innovative design, community‑focused planning, and long‑term economic and social impacts on the Peace Region.

Being profiled in Business Elite Canada reflects the project’s importance not only to local health care delivery, but also to Canada’s broader landscape of forward‑thinking public infrastructure development.

Project status update

Where we’re at

Construction continues to make steady progress as the project moves deeper into the finishing and commissioning phases. Exterior work is in its final stages, with the building envelope complete and minor items wrapping up this month. Inside the building, interior finishes are advancing across all levels, including flooring, fixtures, device installation, and final surface work – with some areas complete and others nearing completion. System start-up activities are underway, including permanent lighting energization and air balancing.

What’s next

Upcoming work will focus on completing remaining interior finishes, closing out outstanding installation items, and continuing commissioning and testing activities across building systems. As systems are balanced, energized, and verified, the project will continue its transition from active construction toward operational readiness. These efforts will support upcoming turnover activities and help ensure the building is prepared for safe, reliable day‑to‑day use.

Construction ahead of schedule! A major milestone

Construction is progressing ahead of schedule and as a result, the substantial completion date has moved from November 30, 2026 to September 29, 2026—two months ahead of schedule!

Substantial completion is when construction of the new hospital is finished and the contractor, Graham, formally turns the building over to Northern Health. At this stage, the building is complete from a construction standpoint; however, it is not yet open or operational.

Following Substantial Completion, the project enters a transition period focused on preparing the hospital for patient care. This includes moving equipment and supplies, testing building and IT systems, completing safety checks, and supporting staff training and orientation so clinical and operational spaces are fully ready.

Opening Day is when the new hospital officially begins operations, patient transfers take place, and the existing facility becomes inactive. While the exact date is still to be confirmed, it is anticipated in early 2027.

Construction progress photos

Operational readiness planning

Monthly departmental workplan meetings are continuing, with the emphasis now shifting from planning to readiness and activation activities.

The Orientation, Training, Simulation, and Implementation (OTSI) Plan is completed which provides the framework to guide how staff will be oriented to the new building, trained on new equipment and workflows, and prepared through simulation activities to support safe patient care on Opening Day.

Facility activation planning is now underway to define and sequence the major transition activities, dependencies, and readiness milestones. This work is focused on turning the building into a functional hospital environment for safe patient care and efficient operations.

Key areas of scope include:

• Facility handover and turnover processes
• Security and access control readiness
• Departmental space fit-up activities required to prepare teams for occupancy
• Clinical scenario testing and interdepartmental workflow validation to confirm that everything functions together as intended

Move planning

Health Care Relocations (HCR) has completed the first round of Move Planning Meetings with departments to introduce teams to the draft Move Calendar and their departmental Move Plans.

The Patient Transfer Committee will be formed in May, which is a specialized operational team responsible for ensuring the safe and coordinated relocation of patients from the old facility to the new one. Key responsibilities of the committee will include developing move day protocols, planning for clinical continuity, and defining transfer routes.

Engagement initiatives

Over the past few months, the project team has participated in a variety of community events and presentations.

Dawson Creek Service Providers Expo: This event brought together local organizations to support connection and information sharing about services available within the community.

Presentation to the South Peace Seniors Access Society: Outlining the new hospital’s services and programming and provide an update on construction progress.

Career Fair at DCSS: Engagement with local high school students focused on introducing career and education pathways into health care, as well as highlighting future career opportunities.

Presentation to Northern Lights College Health Sciences Students: Nurses and health care assistants learned about career opportunities with Northern Health and the new hospital.

Adventures in Health Care

Adventures in Health Care is a hands-on learning experience designed to help high school students explore the wide range of education and career pathways connected to health care.

Through an interactive Design Your Hospital – Budget Challenge, students stepped into the role of hospital planners—working with a budget to make tough design decisions. They were invited to think about how hospitals are planned, how decisions are made, and how facility design directly impacts patient care, staff wellbeing, and community access to services.

The activity highlighted an important lesson: hospitals are more than patient rooms. They explored and discovered how emergency departments, inpatient units, diagnostic imaging, mental health spaces, and essential behind‑the‑scenes departments all work together to deliver safe, effective care. This systems-based approach helped students understand that health care delivery depends not only on people, but also on infrastructure, planning, logistics, and teamwork.

We loved connecting with local youth and sharing how the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is being designed to support our community—now and for generations to come.

South Peace Health Expo 2026

We are proud to be a community partner supporting South Peace Health Expo 2026 on Saturday, May 23 from 10AM to 4PM at the Ovintiv Events Centre.

Join us at this free community event bringing together health, wellness, and support services. This event is an opportunity to connect with local health providers, explore available resources, and learn more about supports across the region.

Highlight: Staff Amenities

From bright, comfortable staff lounges to a private outdoor garden near the staff entrance, the new hospital includes thoughtful staff amenities that support rest, connection, and balance throughout the workday.

These spaces reflect our commitment to caring for the people who care for our community — and to creating a welcoming environment that supports staff wellness.

Staff lounges provide consistent, comfortable spaces to rest, recharge, and connect with colleagues. Each lounge includes a microwave, fridge, dishwasher, comfortable lounge seating, stacking chairs, dining tables, and coffee tables.

A unique feature of the new hospital is a private, staff‑only outdoor garden—offering seating, bike racks, and a covered space to step outside, decompress, and enjoy fresh air year‑round.

Featured stories

• Highlight: Staff amenities
• Inspiring the next generation of health care professionals – 2026 Adventures in Health Care
• Construction ahead of schedule! A major milestone for the new hospital
• A Project Update: January 2026
• Calling Artists! Exterior Sculpture – Expression of Interest
• Health Care Relocations (HCR) onboarded and getting ready for the big move
• FAQ: Parking at the new hospital
• FAQ: What's going to happen to the current DCDH?
• Monthly labour report - As of March 31, 2026 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of February 28, 2026 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of January 31, 2026 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - March 2026 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - February 2026 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - January 2026 [VIDEO]

Staff wellbeing was a key priority while designing the new hospital. Every effort was made to create inviting, comfortable, and restorative spaces that support the health care professionals who serve our community each day.

Comfortable and consistent staff lounges

Throughout the building, staff amenities are thoughtfully planned, consistent, and easily accessible — offering places to rest, recharge, and connect with colleagues.

Every staff lounge at DCDH is designed with the same baseline amenities, creating a sense of familiarity no matter where you work in the hospital. Each lounge includes:

• A microwave, fridge, and dishwasher
• Comfortable lounge seating and stacking chairs
• Dining tables and coffee tables

This consistency ensures that all staff have access to functional, comfortable spaces to take a break, eat a meal, or simply pause and reset.

Emergency Department Staff Lounge

Furniture procurement is underway and these pieces may not represent the final items purchased. Colours and accessories are being finalized.

Thoughtfully designed locker and change rooms

Wherever possible, staff lounges are located with large exterior-facing windows, bringing in natural light and views to the outdoors. These design choices support wellness, reduce stress, and help staff feel connected to the world outside the hospital walls

Staff locker areas across the hospital are designed for convenience, comfort, and efficiency. Locker rooms include:

• “Z‑style” day-use lockers
• Seating benches
• Coat and boot racks
• Linen hampers

These shared, day-use spaces are easy to access and support the realities of shift work, while keeping personal belongings secure and organized.

Amenities close to where you work

Dedicated staff lounges and lockers are located close to departments wherever possible, allowing staff to transition easily between work and break spaces. Locating staff amenities near departments was a deliberate choice — reducing walking distances, saving time, and making it easier for staff to truly benefit from their breaks.

A private outdoor garden for staff

One of the most unique staff amenities is the private outdoor staff garden, located near staff parking and the staff entrance.

Designed as a secure, staff‑only space, the garden offers:

• Outdoor seating, picnic tables, and benches
• Bike racks
• A mostly covered area for year‑round use
• A small open section to the south to allow sunlight and fresh air

This outdoor space gives staff an opportunity to step outside, breathe, and decompress — whether it’s during a break, before heading home, or at the start of a shift.

Supporting our staff

The staff amenities at the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital are intended to support our staff and ensure that they are valued and supported. By providing consistent, comfortable, and well‑located spaces, the hospital supports staff wellness, teamwork, and work‑life balance.

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project was proud to participate in this year’s Adventures in Health Care program.

Adventures in Health Care is a hands-on learning experience designed to help high school students explore the wide range of education and career pathways connected to health care. The program goes beyond traditional clinical roles, highlighting how planners, technologists, and support teams all play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality care.

Connecting students to the future of health care in Dawson Creek

This year, our participation focused on the design, construction, and future opening of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital. Rather than exploring individual health services, students were invited to think bigger—about how hospitals are planned, how decisions are made within real budgets, and how building design directly impacts patient care, staff wellbeing, and community access to services.

Through an interactive Design Your Hospital – Budget Challenge, students stepped into the role of hospital planners. Working in teams, they were given a fixed budget and asked to make real-world decisions about what to include in their hospital. From emergency departments and inpatient units to diagnostic imaging and mental health spaces, students quickly learned that every choice comes with trade-offs.

Learning that hospitals are more than patient rooms

A key part of the activity highlighted the importance of essential, behind-the-scenes departments—such as laboratories, pharmacies, medical device reprocessing, IT, and facilities maintenance. Students discovered that without these core building blocks, even the most modern hospital cannot function safely or effectively.

This systems-based approach helped students understand that health care delivery depends not only on people, but also on infrastructure, planning, logistics, and teamwork. Many were surprised to learn how much work happens behind the scenes before a hospital opens its doors to patients.

Building awareness, curiosity, and community pride

Participating in Adventures in Health Care allowed the DCDH project team to connect directly with local youth and share how the new hospital is being designed to support the Dawson Creek and Peace Region community for generations to come. It also opened conversations about future careers—showing students that meaningful roles in health care exist across a wide range of skills, interests, and education pathways.

As the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital moves closer to completion, programs like Adventures in Health Care help ensure that youth see themselves as part of that future—helping shape the next chapter of care close to home.

We’re proud to support opportunities that spark curiosity, build understanding, and inspire the next generation to imagine a future in health care—right here in Dawson Creek.

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