Graham to build new hospital in British Columbia
By Adam Freill
Construction Green Construction InstitutionalGraham Design Builders LP awarded contract to design and build new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in B.C.
(Image courtesy of Graham)
The residents of B.C.’s Dawson Creek are one step closer to better access to healthcare. Construction of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital will start in July. Graham Design Builders LP was recently named preferred proponent on the project by Northern Health and Infrastructure B.C., and will be responsible for the design and building of the facility.
“Our government has reached an important milestone with the Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the selection of the preferred proponent and the signing of the design build agreement,” said Adrian Dix, the provincial minister of health. “People in the community and the region should expect to see work at the site in the weeks and months ahead as construction begins on the new and expanded hospital in Dawson Creek, and this is fantastic news.”
The $590 million project is expected to reach substantial completion in the fall of 2026, with the hospital being ready 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 new building will be approximately 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.
There will also be space for a laboratory, diagnostic imaging, as well as physical rehabilitation. New parents and families will be supported by a perinatal unit, including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms, and a nursery. Mental-health service delivery will be brought up to modern standards with a new inpatient suite and an increase of beds from 15 to 18. The facility will be built to meet LEED Gold certification.
“This is a significant project award for Graham and adds yet another significant project to our growing healthcare portfolio,” stated Richard Ellis-Smith, executive vice-president, Buildings Canada, at Graham. “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.”
“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,” added Colleen Nyce, chair of Northern Health’s board of directors. “This new facility will strengthen and improve healthcare 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.
The project cost will be shared between the province, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. The district will contribute a maximum of $177 million.
“We look forward to the start of construction on this very important project,” said Leonard Hiebert, chair of Peace River Regional Hospital District.
The existing hospital will remain operational during construction. Future use of the current site will be determined after the new hospital is in operation.
