Innovation Meets Nature: Building the Sicamous Healing and Health Centre

The construction of the Sicamous Healing and Health Centre in the heart of Sicamous has brought a community’s vision for a modern, adaptable health center to life.

Partnering with the District of Sicamous and Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, Scott Builders was entrusted to create a 15,114-square-foot facility that meets the community’s healthcare needs while honoring the cultural heritage of the First Nations people.

From the outset, this project was more than just a typical build for Scott Builders. “We’re known for warehouses and shop offices, but this was different,” says Taylor Hogg, Project Manager at Scott Builders. “The Sicamous Healing and Health Centre challenged us to create a space that serves both the community’s health needs and traditional Indigenous healing, while also reflecting the natural environment.”

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community

The previous health center in Sicamous could no longer meet the demands of the growing population. The new facility was designed to address these needs while offering room for future expansion. Based on a community-driven needs assessment, the center incorporates essential features such as examination rooms, offices, and versatile community spaces.

“Our role was to translate the community’s needs into a physical space,” explains Project Manager Taylor Hogg. “We worked closely with the District of Sicamous to ensure the building can grow with the community—whether that means additional healthcare services or new businesses. The two tenant spaces, for instance, are designed to accommodate future healthcare-related businesses, like a pharmacy or dentist.”

Site Superintendent Mat Foley highlighted the importance of open communication throughout the project. “We facilitated a variety of communication methods to encourage healthy dialogue, including bi-weekly meetings that could be attended in person or through Teams,” Foley shared. “Site visits and walkthroughs were particularly effective for demonstrating progress, and I always made myself available to address questions or concerns by phone or email.”

In addition to meeting healthcare needs, the facility serves as a central hub for Sicamous, with community spaces available for events and gatherings. “The community spaces were a vital part of the design,” Hogg adds. “They give residents a place to gather, celebrate, and connect.”

The result is a multi-purpose building that serves as a primary care practice, a First Nations Healing Centre, and a venue for community events—reflecting the evolving needs of Sicamous while fostering a sense of connection and collaboration.

Nature-Inspired Design: A Technical Challenge

One defining aspect of the project is the integration of the natural environment. The building’s flowing curves mimic the nearby landscape. “The humps and contours of the structure mirror the surrounding hills and skyline, creating a fluid connection to the environment,” says Hogg.

However, the absence of right angles in the design posed significant construction challenges. “Every angle of this building is unique,” Hogg explains. “We had to custom-build windows and steel stud framing, and coordinate closely with our trades to ensure the design was executed without compromising structural integrity.”

Scott Builders collaborated with Douglas Cardinal throughout the design phase, balancing his vision with construction feasibility. “We provided input at every step, balancing his design with construction feasibility. We also brought in our trades to get input on specific elements, relying on their expertise to deliver the design without sacrificing build quality,” Hogg adds.

Practical Materials for Longevity

A standout feature of the building is its Lux metal cladding, chosen for its durability and resemblance to natural wood. “It gives the building a cabin-like feel, but with the strength and low maintenance of metal,” notes Hogg, emphasizing its role in the structure’s long-term sustainability.

The building is also designed to support future solar panel installation, aligning with the community’s sustainability goals. “We ensured the facility was forward-thinking in terms of energy efficiency,” Hoggs says.

Creative Solutions for a Complex Site

The site’s location on a floodplain and proximity to an archaeologically sensitive area required careful planning. “We couldn’t disturb parts of the site due to its archaeological significance, so we divided the site into two sections—the building area and the west parking lot,” Hogg recalls.

To mitigate flooding risks, Scott Builders raised the ground level by nearly two meters, using retaining walls to protect the site. “It took careful coordination and planning, but overcoming these challenges made the project even more rewarding,” says Hogg.

A Space for Traditional Healing and Community Connection

Creating a space that honors and supports traditional Indigenous healing practices was a central goal of the project. Scott Builders worked closely with the District of Sicamous and local Indigenous representatives to ensure cultural needs were thoughtfully respected and incorporated.

“During a walkthrough with members of the district and local Indigenous representatives, they shared a desire to include time-honored rituals and traditions in the project,” says Mat Foley, Site Superintendent. “This included spaces for smudging, creating and using a sweat lodge when needed, and providing easy access to traditional lands from the building.”

To accommodate these practices, the building features specialized ventilation systems for smudging ceremonies and landscape modifications to improve access to traditional lands.

“Additionally, certain spaces have been intentionally left open for First Nations groups to determine their use,” adds Taylor Hogg, Project Manager. “There’s a dedicated traditional healing room, and the District of Sicamous is collaborating with the Splatsin First Nations to select materials that reflect their culture.”

Indigenous art and murals throughout the facility further deepen its connection to the community. “The building’s flowing lines and connection to nature align perfectly with their cultural values,” Hogg explains.

A Lasting Impact

For Scott Builders, the Sicamous Healing and Health Centre is more than just another construction project—it’s a symbol of collaboration, community, and respect for the environment. 

"What I’m most proud of is how we were able to bring together so many different elements—cultural, environmental, and functional—and create a building that’s both beautiful and practical," says Hogg.

As Sicamous continues to grow, the center’s adaptable design ensures it can evolve with the community’s needs. “We’ve built this facility to last,” says Hogg. “It’s going to serve the health and cultural needs of this community for many years to come.”