Social media image of new Dawson Creek hospital vandalism is not real, health authority confirms

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — A picture of graffiti sprayed onto the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital which is “circulating” on social media is not real, according to the region’s health authority.

An image claiming to be a side view of the under-construction hospital was posted in a Dawson Creek area Facebook group on Friday, February 27th and quickly sparked reaction online.

It seems to show ‘Ikea’ spray-painted in large letters in multiple colours on a panel of the facility. 

However, Northern Health told Energeticcity.ca the picture is a product of misinformation.

“We are aware of the photo that was circulating,” reads the statement from Northern Health media relations and public affairs regional manager Eryn Collins. “But, we can confirm there has been no vandalism to Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

“It appears it was an AI creation.”

The fictional picture may have been created because the hospital is being decorated blue and yellow to match the colours of the City of Dawson Creek’s logo, but that is also similar to Ikea’s branding. 

Recently, Northern Health announced the new hospital was two months ahead of schedule with the authority expected to take possession in the fall of 2026.