Ontario Construction News staff writer
Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent for the new $590 million Dawson Creek and District Hospital project, the Government of British Columbia announced.
Construction will start in July. Graham Design Builders LP will be responsible for completing the design and building the new hospital.
The new building will be about 24,500 square metres (263,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, an increase of 24. The emergency department is also doubling in size. Treatment spaces are increasing from 10 to 15. The facility will continue to provide a range of surgical services, as well as chemotherapy, ambulatory care, radiology, clinical support and pharmacy services.
“This is a significant project award for Graham and adds yet another significant project to our growing healthcare portfolio. We’re proud to be a part of building this great facility that will provide high-quality healthcare services to the people of Dawson Creek and the surrounding communities”, said Graham’s Richard Ellis-Smith, EVP, Buildings Canada.
Substantial completion is expected in fall 2026 and the new hospital will open for patients in 2027.
“We are taking action to improve access to health care for every person in B.C., no matter where they live,” said Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for rural health. “This new hospital means that when people in Dawson Creek and surrounding communities need care they can access quality services without travelling long distances.”
The project includes laboratory, diagnostic imaging and physical rehabilitation space, a perinatal unit, mental health service inpatient suite and new beds.
“This announcement is wonderful news and an important investment for Dawson Creek and the network of communities served by the Dawson Creek and District Hospital,” said Colleen Nyce, chair of Northern Health’s board of directors. “This new facility will strengthen and improve health-care services for residents in the region, as well as the physicians and staff who provide care in this hospital.”
The hospital will be built in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral home of the Beaver, Cree, Saulteau, Sicannie (Sikanni), and Slavey. The hospital serves the communities of Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, communities of Kelly Lake, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations; as well as Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous populations within the Peace region of Treaty 8 territory.
Local First Nations are being consulted throughout the project to ensure that the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant. It will include a spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths. There is also work being done to further the inclusion of Indigenous people within the facility and project, pending input and feedback from the committees and working groups.
