The replacement of the Dawson Creek and District Hospital has reached another major milestone, with Northern Health beginning the testing and commissioning phase as work continues toward opening the new facility in 2027.
According to Northern Health’s latest project update, crews are now testing key building systems, including power, lighting, fire alarms and medical gases, to ensure the hospital is safe, fully functional and ready for patients before it opens.
The hospital replacement project has been in the works since 2013, with construction beginning in July 2023.
Northern Health previously announced the project’s substantial completion date had been moved from November 30 to September 29. Once that milestone is reached, the health authority will formally take possession of the building, confirming it is complete, safe and ready for occupancy preparations.
Construction is also nearing completion outside the facility. Northern Health said concrete work has been finished, landscaping is underway and the final layer of asphalt is expected to be laid later this month.
Inside the building, crews are completing finishing touches, installing medical equipment and furnishings, and preparing clinical spaces for operation.
Information technology teams are also continuing to install and test the systems that will support patient care and daily hospital operations.
Planning is already underway for the next stage of the project once services move into the new hospital.
Northern Health said consultants from Stantec have begun surveying the existing hospital to develop detailed demolition plans, with a tender for demolition work expected to be issued this fall.
At the same time, the health authority is advancing operational readiness planning to ensure staff, patients and families experience a smooth transition when the new hospital opens.
Clinical and operational teams are reviewing patient care processes, workflows, room layouts, equipment placement and support services to confirm everything functions effectively in the new environment.
Preparations also include installing and testing equipment, stocking supplies, setting up workspaces and validating day-to-day operations before occupancy.
Hospital staff, physicians, volunteers and support teams are taking part in orientation, training, simulation and implementation activities to prepare for the move.
Northern Health said it is also working with Health Care Relocations, a company specializing in health-care facility moves, to develop department-specific relocation plans and coordinate the transfer of patients, equipment and supplies.
A full patient transfer rehearsal is expected to take place about two months before the hospital opens. The exercise will allow staff to test move-day procedures, confirm timelines and ensure patients can be safely and efficiently transferred into the new facility.
Northern Health said the goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible while ensuring the new hospital is fully prepared to provide care from the day it opens.
