The Government of British Columbia and Northern Health are moving to issue a new request for proposals (RFP) in mid-January for replacement of the Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

The design of the new state-of-the-art hospital is approximately 60 per cent complete and continuing to advance; however, Northern Health was unable to reach an agreement with the previously selected builder team (Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture).

The new proponent is expected to be selected early in 2023, with construction to begin shortly after.

The Dawson Creek and District Hospital will be on the territory of Treaty 8 First Nations. Local First Nations will be consulted throughout the project to ensure culturally appropriate spaces are available, which will include a non-denominational spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths.

The new facility will 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 and diagnostic imaging, and a perinatal unit, including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms, as well as a nursery to support new parents and families.

The new building will target LEED Gold and be approximately 19,400 square metres (209,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, which is an increase of 24 beds. The emergency department will increase in size, with treatment spaces increasing from 10 to 15. The new emergency department will be able to accommodate approximately 25,000 visits a year.

The project is funded by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District.

The new hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2027. The existing hospital will remain operational during the construction of the new hospital.