‘End of an era’: Tower cranes at new Dawson Creek hospital build removed as construction continues

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Workers have nearly finished installing structural steel at the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital, and the installation of interior framing, windows and other essentials is well underway.

Northern Health released its latest project update on the new facility on January 30th. 

According to the update, “Hank” and “Dan”, the two tower cranes that have been used to build up the hospital’s structure throughout the project, were removed in November and December.

“These mechanical marvels played a crucial role in the construction of the new hospital and have captured the hearts and imaginations of our community,” it reads.

“Their departure marks the end of an era but also reminds us of the exciting and quick progress being made.”

All the necessary structural steel for levels one, two and three of the facility has been installed, as has the majority of what’s needed for the hospital’s roof.

The last of that will be installed in March. In the meantime, work reportedly continues on all the interior framing inside the building as well as the necessary wall infrastructure for electrical wiring. 

Windows are now also being installed on level two of the building, with all the windows on levels one and two expected to be completed by the end of February.

“Over the coming months, the exterior of the building will start looking different each week as work begins on the full building envelope,” the update reads.

“In February, interior drywall installation will begin followed by finishes and architectural items such as paint, millwork, wall protection and flooring.”

Staff with Northern Health say elevators are also currently being installed, with every single elevator in the facility expected to be operational by March.

HH Angus and Associates, an engineering consulting firm, is currently working alongside Dawson Creek and District Hospital staff to create a transition plan, to ensure work is able to resume at the new facility as smoothly as possible.

The new facility will be over 50 per cent larger than the current Dawson Creek and District Hospital, with 24 additional beds for patients, five new treatment spaces in its emergency department and more.

To learn more about the project, click here.