DAWSON CREEK, B.C.—Three groups have been shortlisted for an RFP to build a new hospital in Dawson Creek.
Northern Health requested and received proposals from four vendors. Three were shortlisted for the design-early works agreement:
- Clark Builders-Turner-HDR Architecture;
- SBW-Kinetic-Wright Construction with KRA and Gibbs Gage Architects; and
- Graham Design Builders and Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.
The decision on a proponent is expected to be announced this fall. Once chosen, the proponent will work on a contractual agreement between the design-builder and Northern Health, which will start the design phase for the new hospital. The final decision for the build is anticipated in 2022, subject to successful negotiations on the project cost.
“People in Dawson Creek are closer to having a preferred proponent to design and build the new Dawson Creek and district hospital,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health, in a statement. “This announcement means people and families are closer to seeing what the hospital will look like, to construction starting and to the new hospital opening for patients.”
Construction is expected to begin in late 2022. Completion of the hospital is expected in 2026. The project site is on the territory of Treaty 8 First Nations and will be approximately 25 per cent larger than the current hospital. It will be approximately 209,000 square feet with 70 beds, for an increase of 24 beds. The new emergency department will also increase in size, with treatment spaces increasing from 10 to 15.
“It will be a game changer for people who need mental health care that we’re developing the Dawson Creek hospital with them front of mind,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health and addictions. “Together, we’re building a system where treatment for mental health is on par with any other health condition. I’m grateful to everyone involved in making this a reality.”
The province noted it intends to conduct extensive consultation with local First Nations to ensure culturally appropriate space is available within the new facility, which will also include a non-denominational spiritual room for use by people of all faiths and cultures.
The new facility will include 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.
The total project budget is nearly $378 million. The costs will be shared by the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District, which will contribute more than $150 million. The existing hospital will remain operational during the construction of the new hospital.
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