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 Shawchek

Darcy 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 RiverLevel 2 - Maternity Unit Waiting Area
The right place, at the right timeTracy Rondeau

Tracy 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 HopeLevel 1 - Visiting Specialists Waiting Area
Babba Canyon

Cameron 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 Road

Kevin 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 Patrimonio

Aaron 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 Park

Donald 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. John

Rick 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

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project team was proud to participate in two meaningful community events this September – Northern Lights College's Community Fair and the Saulteau First Nations/West Moberly First Nations Health Fair.

These events are important for us to participate in as we continue our commitment to engaging with residents, students, and Indigenous partners as we build a hospital that reflects and serves the region.

Northern Lights College Community Fair – September 17

On September 17, we attended Northern Lights College’s Annual Community Fair at the Dawson Creek campus. With the new hospital being constructed on the corner of the college grounds, this event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with students and share information about the new facility.

We engaged with numerous students interested in careers in health care, offering insights into the wide range of employment opportunities that will be available as the hospital approaches its opening in early 2027. Great conversations were had with nursing students who are expected to graduate within the next year – many of whom expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the hospital’s future workforce.

Saulteau First Nations Health Fair – September 25

On September 25, representatives from the DCDH Project Team and Northern Health Indigenous Health had the opportunity to participate in the Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair, an event that brought together community members, health professionals, and service providers in a celebration of wellness and connection.

We shared updates on how the new hospital is being designed and built with cultural inclusion and respect at its core. Key features of the new hospital such as a spiritual room for ceremonies, Indigenous language signage, and a family gathering space were highlighted as examples of the project's commitment to honoring the traditions and culture of the Treaty 8 First Nations.

The event also provided an opportunity to distribute employment flyers and speak with community members about future job opportunities at the hospital. These conversations are vital to ensuring the hospital becomes a place where Indigenous staff, patients, and families feel welcomed, respected, and represented.

Attendees also had an opportunity to engage with Stacy Wheeler, Indigenous Care Coordinator at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital to learn how she can support them on their health care journey when they come to the hospital to receive care.

Pictured from left to right: Stacy Wheeler, Indigenous Care Coordinator; Jennifer Dunn, DCDHRP Clinical Lead; Ashley Pannozzo, DCDHRP Community Engagement & Communications Liaison

We are excited to share that the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project has achieved a meaningful milestone in our journey toward cultural safety and inclusivity.

In collaboration with the Treaty 8 First Nations, we explored how the new hospital could reflect and honour the cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories it resides on and completed a thoughtful engagement process to integrate local Indigenous languages into the new facility.

As a result, the Cree and Dane-z̲aa languages will be integrated into the new hospital on select wayfinding signage including department entrance signs as well as key destination, room, and amenity signs.

Indigenous languages will also be integrated into the digital wayfinding kiosks offering an inclusive and accessible experience without the limitations of physical signage.

In addition, a dedicated welcome wall located in the main lobby of the new hospital will celebrate the diversity of our region by showcasing the many Indigenous and global languages spoken in our region. This wall will serve as a visual reminder of our shared commitment to inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural safety.

One of the core values of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project is providing culturally safe care to all who use the new facility. Language inclusion plays a vital role in honouring the diverse communities we serve, and we committed to ensuring it was done in an intentional and thoughtful way.

Our goal is to create a welcoming and respectful environment for Indigenous patients, families, visitors, and staff. We also want to ensure that the signage system remains inclusive and respectful of cultural diversity, while still fulfilling its core purpose: to guide and orient all users clearly, safely, and effectively.

This initiative is in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly those that call on health care systems to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and to provide culturally safe care. By integrating Indigenous languages into the hospital environment, we are taking a meaningful step toward reconciliation – acknowledging the importance of language in identity, healing, and cultural continuity.

This work is a testament to the power of partnership and the importance of listening to community voices. We are grateful to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who generously shared their time, wisdom, and traditional languages with us to help create a new facility that reflects the people it serves.

The integration of Indigenous languages is more than signage – it’s a step toward healing, recognition, and respect. We look forward to welcoming everyone into a hospital that honours the past, embraces the present, and builds a more inclusive future.

From August 27 to 29, 2025, Minister of Health Josie Osborne conducted a multi-day tour in Northeast British Columbia focused on health care infrastructure and community engagement. She engaged with health care professionals as well as Indigenous, municipal, and regional leaders.

Minister Osborne began in Fort St. John with a tour of the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa and a meeting with BC Emergency Health Services.

Minister Osborne then travelled to Dawson Creek for a tour of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital construction site – which is a $590 million investment into health care in the region. The tour highlighted the improvements and expansion of services and programming, including the new emergency department, inpatient unit, and maternity unit. While in Dawson Creek, she also held meetings with local Northern Health Relational Security Officers, Dawson Creek Mayor and Council, and MLA Larry Neufeld.

Minister Osborne then travelled to Tumbler Ridge to meet with Mayor and Council and tour the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre.

In Chetwynd, Minister Osborne visited the Mîýomâcihêwi Kamik (Northern Nations Wellness Centre) and the Chetwynd Hospital and Health Center as well as met with the Mayor of Chetwynd and representatives from Saulteau First Nations.

The final day included a tour of the Hudson’s Hope Health Centre and meetings with the Mayors of Hudson’s Hope and Fort St. John

Minister Osborne’s visit to the Northeast reflected the province’s commitment to strengthening rural health care, supporting community-led initiatives, and engaging directly with those shaping the future of health services in the North.

We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone was recently achieved in the design and construction of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the completion of our fourth mock-up session, which took place on-site and inside the new hospital!

Mock-up #4 focused on two key spaces: a typical medical/surgical inpatient room and a typical bariatric patient room.

These mock-ups are immersive, hands-on experiences that give clinical users an opportunity to physically experience the space and provide real-time feedback on layout and functionality prior to construction being replicated throughout the facility. This approach enables identification of potential issues and supports evidence-based decision-making to ensure the final spaces are both operationally efficient and patient-centered.

These mock-up sessions are a vital part of our design and construction process, allowing us to refine room layouts based on the input of those who will work in these spaces every day. By inviting clinical staff to experience the rooms in-situ and provide feedback, we ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered. The feedback gathered will directly inform final construction decisions, helping us build a hospital that truly reflects the needs of our staff.

During the mock-up, clinical users provided valuable insights on:

• Hand sanitizer placement for optimal accessibility and infection control
• Washroom grab bar types and locations to support patient mobility and safety
• Handrail placement throughout the room to assist with movement and fall prevention
• Workflow efficiency to streamline care delivery

Interested in learning more about the key features of patient rooms? Check out Highlight: Inpatient Rooms.

Photos from the typical bariatric patient room:

Photos from the typical medical/surgical inpatient room:

Project status update

Where we’re at

We are continuing to make strong progress this summer, with major construction milestones achieved and several key phases of work underway.

The generator pads and retaining wall are now complete as well as the BC Hydro and TELUS utility work. Crews are halfway through gravel prep around the site and curbs are complete on the west side. Trenching for site lighting is progressing which will enhance safety and accessibility across the property.

On the structural side, steel framework and roofing for the north entrance canopy and ambulance bay are complete, providing a glimpse of the welcoming and modern design that will greet patients and visitors. Exterior work is also advancing with insulation, cladding, and brick veneer, and parapet cap flashing installation to ensure the building envelope is weather-tight and energy-efficient.

Inside the facility, framing is now complete on all three levels. Drywall installation, mudding, and taping are well underway throughout. Ceiling framing and top skirting are also progressing, helping to define the interior spaces and prepare for final finishes. Throughout Level 1 and 2, priming, painting, and flooring are underway in the first zones. Mechanical and electrical systems are being installed in the basement, penthouse, and main electrical rooms.

What’s next

On the exterior, crews are starting to install the generator equipment, which is an essential step in preparing the facility’s backup power systems. Site preparation will continue with more gravel work, followed by concrete and asphalt pours for sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas. Roof decking on the entrance canopy will continue, adding architectural detail to the main entry points. The exterior shell of the building is expected to be completed by the Fall.

On the interior, drywalling, taping, ceiling work, priming, painting, and flooring will continue across all levels. Mechanical and electrical rough ins on Levels 1 and 2 are expected to be completed by August.

In August, an in-situ mock-up of a typical inpatient and bariatric room will take place. Mock-ups give clinical users an opportunity to walk through the space before the construction of the rooms are duplicated. These mock-ups help identify any design or layout issues to ensure the rooms are efficient and comfortable for both patients and staff. This hands-on approach supports better decision-making and ensures the final spaces meet the needs of those who will use them every day.

Photo taken: July 19, 2025

Construction progress photos

Department highlights

Interior and exterior colour schemes and inspiration

The new Dawson Creek and District Hospital is more than just a building – it's a reflection of the Peace Region itself. From the flowing rivers and historic railways to the vast northern skies and dancing auroras, every design element is inspired by the region.

The interior design and colour schemes for each level of the hospital will feature unique colour palettes and themes drawn from our natural surroundings, creating a calming, welcoming space for patients, families, visitors, and staff. It’s a thoughtful blend of beauty, culture, and healing.

A vibrant new feature is also catching the community’s eye: the building’s exterior colours. The façade is being clad in Ocean Blue, Lagoon, and Tuscan Sun – a bold and meaningful palette that reflects Dawson Creek’s natural beauty, cultural identity, and northern spirit.

Ocean Blue represents the vast Peace Region sky symbolizing openness, calmness, and clarity. Lagoon captures the magic of the Aurora Borealis, a natural wonder often visible in the northern skies. Tuscan Sun was chosen to complement the City of Dawson Creek’s logo and is intended to highlight the main entrance and stand out as a visible landmark.

Operational readiness and transition planning

The third round of departmental workplan updates was completed earlier this month with many departments on track – actively defining processes, establishing workflows, and collaborating with other teams as needed to advance discussion and coordination.

Work is ongoing to refine the Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment List and Information Management/Information Technology Equipment List to ensure that quantities are accurate and aligned with operational requirements for opening day.

The second Operational Readiness Committee (ORC) Meeting was held in June. The committee continues to meet regularly to address risks, approve change requests, and coordinate readiness activities across teams.

Frequently asked questions

What is Northern Health doing to recruit and retain staff for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital?

We recognize the concerns our communities have around the challenges in recruiting and retaining health care professionals in rural and northern areas like ours.

Northern Health is taking strong, coordinated action to address recruitment and retention challenges in rural and northern communities, including Dawson Creek, and is actively working towards building a sustainable workforce through a wide range of recruitment and retention strategies and initiatives. Efforts include attending career fairs, running targeted advertising, and engaging with students through classroom visits and community partnerships.

To build a sustainable workforce, Northern Health is collaborating with local and regional post-secondary institutions including Northern Lights College and the University of Northern British Columbia to support students through educational programs and expanded pathways to help them enter the health care field and build long-term careers.

Northern Health continues to actively recruit medical staff including physicians. Dawson Creek is one of the first communities to have added associate physician positions. Our recruiters are attending medical conferences and working with each community to identify and recognize unique needs to ensure it’s the right fit for each new hire.

Retention is just as important. Northern Health and the Ministry of Health have offered meaningful financial incentives for rural and remote positions, some of which include return-of-service commitments

In addition, our Northeast Recruitment and Retention Ambassador plays a key role in strengthening our workforce by building strong partnerships with communities partners and supporting initiatives that help attract and retain top talent across the region. Our Regional Manager of Housing and Childcare is actively collaborating with community partners to improve housing, childcare, and other supports that make it easier for staff and their families to live and work.

As we look ahead to the opening of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital in Spring 2027, we are laying the foundation to ensure it is fully staffed and ready to serve our community. The new hospital is being designed and built with staff and patient experiences in mind. It will feature private patient rooms with ensuite washrooms, natural lighting, accessible washrooms, and modern technology – all of which contribute to a more comfortable and efficient environment. These improvements are key to attracting and retaining health care professionals who want to work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Engagement initiatives

Smile Cookie Relay! DCDH PMO vs. Graham Design Builders

The DCDH Project Management & Facilities Maintenance Team took on the Graham Design-Builders Team in a smile cookie relay eating challenge as part of the DCDH Foundation’s annual Smile Cookie Campaign! While we didn’t take home the win (turns out the Graham team are pro cookie eaters!), we were proud to support this sweet initiative.

The DCDH Foundation raised over $38,000 which will stay here in our community and go towards the purchase of vital and life-changing medical equipment for health care facilities in Dawson Creek and the South Peace region.

Connecting with community at the South Peace Health Expo

On May 1, we participated in the first-ever South Peace Primary Care Network Health Expo in Dawson Creek!

This vibrant and interactive event brought together local health care providers, community organizations, and community members for an evening of learning, connection, and wellness. From health screenings and wellness resources to project updates and community engagement, the Expo was a fantastic opportunity for us to share how the new DCDH will support the future of health care in the South Peace region.

A big thank you to the South Peace Division of Family Practice and all the organizers for hosting such a meaningful event – and to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about the project. We’re excited to continue building a healthier future for Dawson Creek and the South Peace region.

Celebrating the joy of rurality at the Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference!

From July 4-6, we attended the 2025 Tumbler Ridge Medical Conference in the heart of one of Canada’s only UNESCO Global Geoparks!

This three-day event brought together over 100 rural physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, pharmacists, residents, allied health professionals, and medical students from across BC. With a full program of hands-on workshops, expert-led education sessions, and community building activities, the conference focused on celebrating the joy of rurality and strengthening rural health care through collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.

We were honoured to connect with attendees alongside representatives from partner organizations including Doctors of BC, First Nations Health Authority, South Peace Division of Family Practice and Primary Care Network, North Peace Division of Family Practice, Rural Coordination Centre of BC, Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition, and the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark.

Other exciting news

Local artists shine!

We recently launched an artist call-out seeking local and regional photographic scenic images to be used on custom vinyl wall graphics in the new hospital.

We are excited to share that we received over 50 packages from local artists, totaling over 650 images for consideration! The DCDH Art Committee as well as the project management team and local DCDH leadership are reviewing the submissions to determine which images are successful and ultimately installed in the new facility.

Stay tuned to learn which artists will have an opportunity to feature their artwork in the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital!

FEATURED STORIES

• FAQ: What is Northern Health doing to recruit and retain staff for the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital?
• A vibrant reveal of the exterior ACM panel colours
• Highlight: Interior Design Inspiration and Colour Schemes
• Road closure: Until June 23
• Call-out for Artists and Photographers: Local and regional scenic photographic images for custom wall graphics
• A Project Update: April 2025
• Call-Out for Artists and Photographers - Local and Regional Images for Custom Graphics [PDF]
• Quarterly Update - April 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of June 30, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of May 31, 2025 [PDF]
• Monthly labour report - As of April 30, 2025 [PDF]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - June 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - May 2025 [VIDEO]
• Construction Camera Timelapse - April 2025 [VIDEO]

We recognize the concerns our communities have around the challenges in recruiting and retaining health care professionals in rural and northern areas like ours.

Northern Health (NH) is taking strong, coordinated action to address these challenges and is actively working towards building a sustainable workforce through a wide range of recruitment and retention strategies and initiatives.

This includes attending in-person and virtual conferences and career fairs, running targeted advertising campaigns, doing campus and classroom student visits, presenting to high school students, and leveraging community partnerships. We’re also reaching out beyond our borders through international and U.S.-based recruitment campaigns, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

In addition, we’re partnering with post-secondary institutions like Northern Lights College (NLC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) to support local students through programs such as the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) and the Employed Student Nurse (ESN) program. To grow the workforce, we’re collaborating with our post-secondary institution partners on expanding educational pathways. For example, NLC offers Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing programs in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. These programs are designed to help students enter the health care field and build long-term careers. Graduates can even bridge into more advanced programs, such as the Access to Practical Nursing Diploma or the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program at UNBC. As of early 2025, hundreds of students are already enrolled or working in health care roles across Northern Health through these pathways.

Northern Health continues to actively recruit medical staff including physicians. Dawson Creek is one of the first communities to have added associate physician positions. Our recruiters are attending medical conferences and working with each community to identify and recognize unique needs to ensure it’s the right fit for each new hire.

Retention is just as important. Northern Health and the Ministry of Health have offered meaningful financial incentives for rural and remote positions, some of which include return-of-service commitments.

Our Northeast Recruitment and Retention Ambassador plays a key role in strengthening our workforce by building strong partnerships with schools and communities, enhancing onboarding experiences, promoting health care careers, representing Northern Health at events, and supporting initiatives that help attract and retain top talent across the region.

In addition, our Regional Manager of Housing and Childcare is actively collaborating with community partners to improve housing, childcare, and other supports that make it easier for staff and their families to live and work.

Looking ahead to the opening of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in Spring 2027, we are laying the foundation to ensure it is fully staffed and ready to serve our community. The new hospital is being designed and built with staff and patient experiences in mind. It will feature private patient rooms with ensuite washrooms, natural lighting, accessible washrooms, and modern technology – all of which contribute to a more comfortable and efficient environment. These improvements are not just about aesthetics; they are key to attracting and retaining health care professionals who want to work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase of regular employees in Dawson Creek, and we’re continuing to invest in the people, programs, and partnerships that will help us meet the needs of our growing community. Northern Health is committed to ensuring that our communities have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.

A vibrant new feature of the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is catching the community’s eye: the building’s exterior colours.

With majority of the aluminum composite material (ACM) panels now installed and the protective film getting peeled off, the building is quickly becoming a visible landmark on the city’s skyline.

The new hospital’s façade is being clad in Ocean Blue, Lagoon, and Tuscan Sun – a bold and meaningful palette that reflects Dawson Creek’s natural beauty, cultural identity, and northern spirit.

• Ocean Blue represents the vast Peace Region sky symbolizing openness, calmness, and clarity
• Lagoon captures the magic of the Aurora Borealis, a natural wonder often visible in the northern skies
• Tuscan Sun was chosen to complement the City of Dawson Creek’s logo and is intended to highlight the main entrance and stand out as an identifiable landmark

The chosen colours were thoughtfully selected to reflect Dawson Creek’s identity and to create a welcoming, recognizable space for patients, families, and staff. We are excited to hear that community members are already embracing the bold and meaningful palette.

REGIONAL INSPIRATION

The concepts for the interior design of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital draws inspiration from features of the surrounding environment; the FLOW of the Pouce Coupe River and Dawson Creek, the CONNECTIONS along the Alaska Highway, and the railroad as important gateways to the surrounding region and the northern lights of the BIG SKY which offers a full spectrum of colour palette.

INTERIOR DESIGN APPROACH

The concept of FLOW has been translated in a consistent design approach for wall, flooring, ceiling finishes, millwork design and lighting applications throughout the hospital. Flooring patterns, unique acoustical ceiling treatments and strategic use of colour and accent finishes have been considered in the design of key spaces to help guide and direct patients and visitors through and to key spaces.

Major destinations become CONNECTION points throughout the hospital and are reinforced in wall, floor and ceiling treatments along with accent lighting, colours and graphics to support wayfinding for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. Public elevator lobbies, prominent public corridors, patient waiting areas, care team stations, department and clinic entrances are all areas where accent finishes treatments have been considered to make these spaces unique and recognizable.

The seasonal light changes of the BIG SKY and northern lights of the region offer a full spectrum colour palette for the hospital. One unique and prominent colour accent is applied to accent wall treatments and graphics to distinguish each floor throughout the hospital.

FINISH SELECTION CRITERIA

LEVEL 0 – MOUNTAINS

The mountains surrounding this region provided inspiration for the colours used in public and staff areas in the lower level. This colour palette is bold but timeless and it helps emphasize the strong foundation the facility is built on.

LEVEL 1 – RIVER

The Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe River, and Peace River that wind through the region serve as the main inspiration for the design of the main public spaces on Level 1, to provide a welcoming, calming and serene first impression for patients, staff and volunteers. The deep aqua colour combined with warm neutral tones and graphic references of river grasses are applied to floors, walls and ceilings to support the FLOW concept throughout this main floor, and on signage to assist with wayfinding.

LEVEL 2 – PRAIRIE

The surrounding prairie fields are an important feature that inspired the development of the interior design and wayfinding approach for the inpatient level. The abundance of natural light that floods the canola fields in a golden glow creates a prominent element on the exterior of the building that not only enhances the visual appeal of its design but also fosters a sense of vitality and rejuvenation within the interior spaces.

LEVEL 3 – FOREST

The depth of the forest colours combined with fir and pine needle imagery inspired the colour scheme for the mental health floor. We aimed to design a space that is reminiscent of the tranquility and calmness felt walking in nature.

PUBLIC ELEVATOR LOBBIES

The application of the four colour schemes is more evident at the public elevator lobbies, where each geographical feature is prominent.

The design features of the public elevator lobbies include durable wall cladding material with back lit graphic floor identification, colour accent treatments that wrap around recessed glass display cases, unique to each floor, which will feature original art and Indigenous artifacts.

Acoustical wood ceiling treatments have been designed at each elevator lobby to assist with acoustics and help with orientation and wayfinding.