People in Dawson Creek and area are one step closer to a new hospital now that a preferred proponent has been selected for the design phase.

“The selection of the team that will design the new hospital means another important milestone has been reached for people in the region,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The new and bigger facility will deliver public health-care services to people in the South Peace for decades to come.”

The three proponents shortlisted for the Design Early Works Agreement (DEWA) were:

• Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture;
• SBW-Kinetic-Wright Construction with KRA and Gibbs Gage Architects; and
• Graham Design Builders and Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.

As a result of the evaluation process, in co-ordination with Northern Health and Infrastructure BC, Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture was selected.

A request for proposals for the DEWA was issued to the teams on March 16, 2021. A DEWA is a contractual agreement between the design-builder and Northern Health, which starts the design phase for the new hospital.

The next step is the Design-Build Agreement request for proposals. This involves Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture submitting design and cost proposals to Northern Health for the new hospital.

Execution of the Design-Build Agreement is anticipated to take place in 2022 and construction to begin shortly after. The hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2026.

The new building will be approximately 19,400 square metres (209,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, which is an increase of 24. The emergency department will also increase in size, with treatment spaces increasing from 10 to 15.

As well, the new 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 and diagnostic imaging, and a perinatal unit including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms and a nursery to support new parents and families. 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 new hospital will be located 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 also include a non-denominational spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths.

The project budget is $377.86 million and will be shared by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District, which will contribute $150.2 million. The existing hospital will remain operational during the construction of the new hospital.

Quotes:

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions –

“I’m grateful to everyone for making this a reality as we build a system where treatment for mental health is on par with any other health condition. Developing the Dawson Creek Hospital with a focus on mental health care will be a gamechanger for the people who need those supports.”

Colleen Nyce, chair, Northern Health –

“This is a terrific day for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital project. Entering the design phase is an exciting step in bringing improved health services in Dawson Creek and area into reality.”

Brad Sperling, chair, Peace River Regional Hospital District –

“It is a touchstone event to be moving forward into the design phase of the Dawson Creek and District Hospital project. The new hospital and its expanded range of services and capacity is a critical need for the residents of this region. As chair of the Peace River Regional Hospital District Board, I would like to congratulate the preferred proponent. We look forward to marking the next chapter in this very important initiative.”