VICTORIA - The BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Cancer Centre will open in the spring of 2001 - one month early - thanks to a construction project that is ahead of schedule and increased operating funds from the Ministry of Health.

When construction began in 1999 the new cancer centre was scheduled to open April 3, 2001. Earlier this year, with construction already one month ahead of schedule, it became clear that the centre would be ready much earlier. It will open for patients on March 6, 2001.

"I think patients, physicians, health care workers and all our staff will breathe a sigh of relief and rejoice at the new centre opening and opening early," says Dr. Brian Weinerman, vice-president, regional services at the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre. "Being able to treat people quickly without having to separate them from friends and family makes a great deal of difference when it comes to their comfort and peace of mind. That is health care at its best."

The provincial government, through the Ministry of Health, invested almost $40 million in capital funding to provide equipment and build the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre. The Ministry of Health approved $400,000 in one-time operational funding to enable the centre to open as early as possible.

"Cancer patients need treatment as quickly as possible - an early opening is very good news for us all," said Mike Farnworth, minister of health. "The new centre will increase treatment capacity for patients on Vancouver Island by about 1,500 patients per year - alleviating pressures for other cancer centres as well."

BC Buildings Corporation (BCBC) is responsible for the accelerated construction phase of the project. Working closely with the BC Cancer Agency, BCBC and Campbell Construction began construction of the new centre in March 1999. In March 2000, with progress on the project ahead of schedule, BCCA officials began to consider an earlier opening.

"The provincial government gave BCBC the job of fast-tracking the new Vancouver Island Cancer Centre and BCBC has delivered one month ahead of schedule," said Paul Ramsey, minister of finance with responsibility for BCBC. "This is an excellent example of BCBC's ability to forge successful partnerships which support the efficient delivery of health care to British Columbians."

The new Vancouver Island Cancer Centre will be about three times the size of the current facility. It will include research laboratories for basic and clinical researchers to investigate the causes, treatment and cures for cancer. It will have six radiation therapy machines, up from the current three machines available now.

The BC Cancer Foundation is raising $6 million to support the development of the research unit. Individuals, businesses and community groups have contributed $4.2 million to the Daring to Believe Campaign for Vancouver Island Cancer Centre. For details about the Campaign, please call 250-370-8811