Northern Health shares progress update on new Dawson Creek hospital

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Roof installation at the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital is nearly finished, according to Northern Health.

The health authority has issued a new progress update on the under-construction facility, saying the majority of the roof has been sealed and clapped.

“Cladding and brick installation is progressing, with finish trim and transition pieces being installed throughout,” the update reads. “Work is also underway on the canopies for the main and emergency department entrances.”

Elsewhere outside of the main building, retaining walls have been set up for the generator pad and loading dock, work is underway around the storm tank and the foundation for the ambulance bay is being created.

Meanwhile, internally, framing is nearly complete on levels zero, one and two of the building, with piping, setting units, boilers and pumps being installed.

“Mechanical and electrical rough-ins are underway throughout the building along with drywall installation, mudding and taping in various areas. Window installation on level one and level two is now complete, allowing for natural light to enter.”

Ducting is being installed into the hospital’s mechanical penthouse, and preparations are reportedly underway for fireproofing.

Northern Health said that, moving forward, more parts of the building’s interior will be completed, meaning workers can move on to “finishes and architectural elements” like paint, wall protection and flooring.

Elevator installation, which began prior to the last progress update in February, is still ongoing, with two elevators operational for workers. The remaining elevators will reportedly become operational in 2026.

Water and storm lines are expected to be completed by the end of May, and utility lines are slated for completion in June.

Landscaping work on curbs, gutters, sidewalks and creating parking lots and roads is expected to take place all throughout the summer.

In terms of transitioning from the old facility to the new one, all of the hospital’s “operational readiness workplans” are now complete, and the project management team continues to work on a full transition plan with engineering consulting firm HH Angus and Associates.

Staff members have also confirmed that, once the new hospital is open and operational in spring 2027, the old facility will “become inactive, be emptied out and then removed.” The site where it was built will then be cleared and turned back into developable land.

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.