Dawson Creek’s main city services are on the move this summer as the City Hall building closes for mandatory asbestos removal and upgrades. WorkSafeBC raised concerns about potential asbestos fibres during an inspection, and follow-up testing confirmed contamination, prompting the city to close the building for abatement. Officials say all regular services will keep running, just from new addresses.
The first move happened June 22, when the Culture & Recreation Department and the Emergency Management Department shifted to Kin Arena at 1101 106 Avenue. Residents needing recreation programs or emergency management services should now head to the arena.
Starting July 20, most other city hall operations will open at Dawson Creek Mall at 11000 8th Street. This includes the mayor’s office, administration, Communications & Digital Services, development services, employee services, and finance. Anyone paying utility bills, asking about taxes, applying for permits, or renewing a business licence can do so at the mall location with no interruption in service.
City council meetings are moving, too. The final meeting at city hall happens July 13. After that, starting July 27, council will gather at the Peace River Regional District boardroom at 1981 Alaska Avenue.
The city says third-party tests showed the asbestos is only in the roof-to-ceiling gap, an area that has stayed undisturbed, so the building was safe for staff and visitors before the closure. The cleanup will be done by qualified professionals following all WorkSafeBC safety rules, with the work required to finish by the end of 2026. City staff expect to move back into city hall in early 2027.
The project will also include electrical and IT upgrades. Money for the work comes from the city’s 2026 capital budget, approved by council back in January, and officials stress it won’t push up property taxes this year.
