Dawson Creek and District Hospital Replacement Project Update
The work on the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) is progressing well, thanks to the mild weather exhibited throughout the Peace region this winter season. Residents can look forward to a 25 percent larger facility that will emphasize wellness and the primary care model.
A series of significant upgrades will accompany the new build, including:
• 24 additional beds;
• Emergency department that is double the size of the existing unit;
• Support for new moms and families through a perinatal unit;
• Improved mental health service delivery with a new impatient suite;
• Space for laboratory and diagnostic imaging;
• Range of surgical services as well as chemotherapy, ambulatory care, radiology clinical support and pharmacy services;
• Non-denominational spiritual room;
• Culturally safe and welcoming spaces;
• Increased parking capacity with 341 stalls;
• Improved regional pharmacy services.
The budget for the project is approximately $590 million which will be shared by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. The purpose of the Regional Hospital District is to cover the regional share (40 percent) of capital costs of providing approved health care facilities and other grants.
In October last year, excavation was completed and over 2,200m3 (about the volume of an Olympic-size swimming pool) of concrete was poured. In November, construction activities transitioned to vertical components and a second tower crane was installed. In December, work began on foundation walls, interior columns, gas and electrical set up for site heating and backfill of deep foundations. The construction proponent, Graham Design Builders LP, prepared for the winter months by implementing their frost protection, ground heating and new temperature monitoring systems.
Over the coming months, construction activities will continue to focus on the concrete superstructure and work has recently started on the Level 1 structural suspended slab. In March, the formal design submission will be received and reviewed, and the third-round mock-ups will be available to view in the Quonset Hut at the southwest corner of the current hospital.
Chetwynd Public Library Nearing Completion
The new Chetwynd Public Library, being constructed northeast of the Chetwynd & District Recreation Centre, is nearing completion and expected to open in late spring. The 8,600 square foot facility, designed to be the ‘living room of the community’, has room to meet the current and future needs of the district. In addition to the existing spaces that patrons have grown to love, the new library will boast a suite of exciting new features, such as a children’s program room, teen seating area and virtual reality room.
To keep up with the project or to view the construction cam, please visit haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/cplp
N ext PRRD Board
eetings:
March 7, 2024
10am | Facebook Live, Dawson Creek
March 21, 2024
10am | Facebook Live, Dawson Creek
To view board and committee meeting dates and agendas, visit: prrd.bc.ca/agendas-minutes/
Join the Discussion Engage in the active consultations happening in the Peace River Regional District.
haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca