Work starts on $386M cancer centre in Kamloops

Key Takeaways:

• A $386-million BC Cancer centre is under construction in Kamloops, bringing radiation therapy and expanded oncology services to patients closer to home by 2028.
• The facility at Royal Inland Hospital will house three linear accelerators, a CT simulator, MRI, and space for 16,500 treatments annually, reducing long-distance travel for up to 1,200 patients a year.
• EllisDon is leading construction, with costs shared by the province and Thompson Regional Hospital District, and additional upgrades planned for Royal Inland’s existing oncology clinic and pharmacy by 2029.

The Whole Story:

Construction has begun on a $386-million BC Cancer centre in Kamloops that will bring radiation treatment and expanded oncology services to the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region, reducing the need for patients to travel to Kelowna or the Lower Mainland for care.

Located at the Westlands site at Royal Inland Hospital, the facility will feature three linear accelerators for radiation therapy, a CT simulator, diagnostic MRI, ambulatory care space, and an interfaith sacred space for patients and families. Once operational in 2028, the centre is expected to provide about 16,500 radiation treatments annually to 1,200 patients and handle 7,500 consults and follow-up appointments.

“This new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops is the single largest capital investment into the expansion of cancer care in the region,” said Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma, noting it will “help more people have access to high-quality cancer care closer to home.”

The project, led by EllisDon Corp., also includes upgrades and expansion to Royal Inland’s community oncology clinic and pharmacy, scheduled for completion in 2029. Costs are being shared by the province and the Thompson Regional Hospital District, and the facility will be operated by BC Cancer in partnership with Interior Health.