KAMLOOPS - Construction has begun on a new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops that will provide people in the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region with better access to cancer care closer to home.
"This new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops is the single largest capital investment into the expansion of cancer care in the Kamloops region," said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. "By building a facility equipped with the latest technology designed to meet the growing treatment needs of patients in the area, we're helping more people have access to high-quality cancer care closer to home. This project is part of our broader commitment to strengthening health-care infrastructure across the province."
The centre is being built at the Westlands site at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
Chemotherapy is available at Royal Inland's community oncology network clinic in Kamloops. Currently, patients travel to Kelowna or the Lower Mainland for radiation treatment. At the new centre, radiation treatment will be provided in shielded treatment rooms with three high-energy radiation treatment linear accelerators (LINACS).
Once the cancer centre opens to patients in 2028, it is expected to host 7,500 patient radiation consults and follow-up appointments annually. In its opening year, the centre is expected to provide approximately 16,500 treatments for up to 1,200 patients. This will save patients and their families time, stress and the burden of long-distance travel during care.
"The new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops is about delivering life-saving care closer to where people live, and to their loved ones and support networks," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. "When people can access care closer to home, we know it leads to better experiences and healthier outcomes. This centre is a vital step toward ensuring people in the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region receive timely, high-quality cancer care, when and where they need it most."
The new BC Cancer centre will include:
- radiation therapy planning including a computerized tomography scan (CT) simulator;
- diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
- an outpatient oncology ambulatory care unit, including exam rooms and consult rooms;
- an interfaith sacred space for patients, caregivers and staff to recuperate and recharge;
- staff support, including offices and workstations; and
- a 470-stall parkade.
The project also includes expansion and upgrades to Royal Inland's community oncology clinic and pharmacy.
EllisDon Corporation has been selected to lead construction. Upgrades to the existing oncology clinic will continue, with work scheduled to finish at that site in 2029.
The new facility will be operated by BC Cancer in partnership with Interior Health. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $386 million, shared between the Province and the Thompson Regional Hospital District.
Royal Inland Hospital is one of two Interior Health tertiary referral hospitals, providing care for people in the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region. It offers services including emergency care, surgeries, mental-health support, medical testing, cancer care and outpatient clinics.
The new BC Cancer centre is part of B.C.'s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, which sets out immediate steps to improve prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.
- As the population grows and ages, the number of people diagnosed with cancer continues to increase.
- Upgrades to Royal Inland's community oncology clinic will include modernizing and increasing the number of cancer-treatment spaces and exam rooms.
- The pharmacy will also be renovated and expanded, with enhanced functionality including the installation of improved dispensing and automated-dispensing replenishing area, along with additional storage.
To view the original funding announcement, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0016-000162
To learn more about B.C.'s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HLTH0012-000229
For more information about health capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects
A backgrounder follows.
Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby -
"As a long-time registered nurse who has spent years on the front lines of health care, I've seen how critical it is for patients to receive care close to home, especially when facing something as life-altering as cancer. The Kamloops BC Cancer centre is more than just a building; it's an investment in the lives, strength and dignity of patients and their families. It means fewer long, exhausting trips away from loved ones, and more moments spent in the comfort of home, surrounded by support."
Sylvia Weir, president and CEO, Interior Health -
"The BC Cancer centre marks a significant advancement in cancer care for the community and surrounding region, and Interior Health is proud to play a key role in making this project a reality. When complete, thousands of patients and families will have access to increased services and support, advanced technology and radiation care closer to home. The expansion of the community oncology network clinic and pharmacy, and an additional MRI will also result in shorter wait times, improved patient care and an enhanced working environment for staff."
Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, interim chief medical officer and executive vice-president, BC Cancer/PHSA -
"Today marks a significant milestone in expanding access to cancer treatment for patients and families in Kamloops and surrounding communities. The new BC Cancer centre at Royal Inland Hospital will be designed to meet the growing demand for cancer care in the future, while upholding our strong commitment to high quality, patient-centred and culturally safe care."
Sarah Roth, president and chief executive officer, BC Cancer Foundation -
"This is a major step forward in delivering the world-class care BC Cancer is known for to more communities in the Interior. Supported by a BC Cancer Foundation $5-million fundraising campaign, progress on the upcoming BC Cancer centre in Kamloops brings new hope to patients and their families who deserve timely access to treatment without the added burden of travel."
Brenda Partridge, Kamloops resident and patient -
"As someone who has received life-saving care at BC Cancer, it comforts me to know a new cancer centre is coming to Kamloops. Cancer treatment is exhausting in every way, and having more treatment options close to home will help patients and their families during this difficult journey."
Mike O'Reilly, chair, Thompson Regional Hospital District -
"So many families are affected by cancer in some way, and for decades, families in the Thompson-Nicola region have had an added burden of travelling many hours for treatment. With three new LINAC machines in Kamloops, our residents will receive radiation treatment much closer to home. Additionally, we congratulate EllisDon on this contract award and look forward to their quality work."
Heidi Coleman, CEO, Royal Inland Hospital Foundation -
"Behind every cancer diagnosis is a story of strength, fear, resilience and hope. With three new LINAC radiation machines slated for the site, patients in our community can now heal closer to home, surrounded by their loved ones. Congratulations to EllisDon on being awarded the contract. We're proud to continue working with a team known for delivering excellence in health-care infrastructure."
Ministry of Infrastructure
Media Relations
250 880-1112
Ministry of Health
Media Relations
250 952-1887
Interior Health
Media Relations
844 469-7077
Provincial Health Services Authority
Media Relations
778 867-7472
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: http://news.gov.bc.ca/connect
