The Dawson Creek and District Hospital replacement is ready for winter, says Northern Health, releasing an update on the site's construction on November 3. Construction for the new hospital began in July and with substantial completion expected in fall 2026, and an opening date sometime in 2027.
"It’s fundamental that heat and moisture control is addressed throughout the construction process during the winter months. This includes controlling the temperature and protecting the concrete foundations to avoid a negative impact on the quality of the installation and possible re-work, if not done correctly," notes the construction update.
A big risk in winter is frost impact, and insulated tarps have been installed, in addition to thawing machines and elevating materials away from the ground for storage.
"Safety of the people working on or visiting the construction site remains a priority. Winter weather creates different challenges and risks that have to be eliminated and controlled, and colder temperatures and snowfall changes how work is done on site," adds the post, noting snow shovels, ice melt, sand or rock chips, and skid steer attachments will be used throughout the season to keep the site safe.
Northern Health also recently attended an open house at Northern Lights College's Dawson Creek campus, the hospital's closest neighbour, inviting community members to chat with their community engagement liaison Ashley Pannozzo.
Pannozzo set up a display in the college's health sciences building, offering info about the new hospital and health care career opportunities with Northern Health.
During the peak of construction, it's estimated there will be approximately 350 to 375 workers needed, and the project's contractor is looking to employ students from the college's trade programs.
