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Part of Health facilities

Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre

Providing southern Albertans better access to diagnostic imaging and the treatments for cancer, cardiac, and neurological conditions.

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Health facilities

Overview

The proposed Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre (CRC) will be home to Calgary’s first and Alberta’s third cyclotron. This new facility will support the treatment of diseases including cancer, cardiac, and neurological conditions. The Development Permit for the facility has been filed with the City of Calgary on October 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the Project. The Development Permit can be viewed on the City of Calgary’s DMap.

Following approval of the Development Permit, a submission will be made to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to ensure the design is in compliance with federal requirements for this type of facility. Construction of CRC is anticipated to be complete, approximately 30 months after construction commencement.

Get informed

Rendering of Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre 1
Rendering of Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre 2
Rendering of Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre 3

For additional details: 

  • Radiopharmacy

    A radiopharmacy is a specialized facility that handles and dispenses radioactive materials.

  • Cyclotron

    A Cyclotron is a machine within the radiopharmacy that will produce the radioactive isotopes used within Foothills Medical Centre.

Facility safety

Cyclotrons adhere to stringent safety regulations enforced by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The facility incorporates multiple safety layers, including shielding, containment, and operational monitoring.

Safety begins with the facility's design, including concrete walls 6 feet thick. The facility employs a sophisticated radiation monitoring system including detectors, handheld survey meters, and contamination meters, to prevent accidental removal of radioactive material.

A containment system holds radioactive gases until they decay into non-radioactive elements, preventing their release into the atmosphere. For more information about safety regulation visit CNSC.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is responsible for the public disclosure of any incidents that may occur on site through operation of this facility. To view the notification and disclosure requirements, visit AHS Cyclotron Public Disclosure.

Operation of the facility

The facility will be operated by AHS and utmost care will be undertaken by Foothills Medical Centre Staff to ensure its safe operations.

  • Existing Alberta-based Cyclotrons

    There are 2 existing facilities in Alberta, both located in Edmonton, that have been manufacturing many of these isotopes for use in the province.

    One of the Cyclotron facilities is located at the University of Alberta’s South Campus and the other is located at the Edmonton Cross Cancer Institute.

    In addition to providing radiopharmaceuticals to Edmonton and the north and central zones of the Province, the Edmonton facilities will serve as a backup to the CRC.

  • Products of the new cyclotron

    The new cyclotron at CRC will produce Fluorine-18, Carbon-11, and Gallium-68. These isotopes will be used in diagnostic imaging, such as PET and SPECT scans, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, cardiac, and neurological conditions.

  • Transport to and from Foothills Medical Centre (FMC)

    The Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Program at FMC has been receiving/shipping radioactive materials on a daily basis for approximately 40 years without incident.

    Radioactive materials that are leaving the CRC are under the oversight of the CNSC and Transport Canada. These materials will be placed into proper sealed containers, placed in delivery vehicles at the shipping and receiving door, and will follow appropriate transportation corridors to deliver materials where they are required in southern Alberta.

    Traffic coming in and leaving the site is not anticipated to change.

  • Transport within the Foothills Medical Centre

    AHS employs highly qualified, trained nuclear energy workers and officers to ensure regulations and policies are strictly followed.

    Radioactive materials will be moved in 2 ways within FMC.

    First, materials will be sealed in proper containers and carried on carts through designated areas and corridors.

    Second, sealed materials will be loaded into transport vans at the shipping and receiving door and transported safely to the specific building where they're needed.

  • Wastewater and facility waste

    Water

    Any water exposed to radioactive materials would be in a self-contained system and safely disposed of.

    Air particulates

    Alberta Infrastructure and AHS are working to design this facility to meet the strict standards set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

    Producing isotopes is a routine process that is managed in a contained area with precision and strict operational control. Occasionally, small amounts of radioactive particles are released – using powerful, controlled air dispersion technology. These particles pose no risk to the public and will have no radioactive attributes once the small amount of material reaches ground level. These systems will be regularly checked by AHS staff and adjusted to ensure everything runs safely.

    As design and equipment choices are finalized, an air dispersion study will be conducted to ensure everything meets safety requirements. This study is expected to take place in fall 2024, and the results will be posted on the website.

  • Decommission process

    An evaluation will determine if the facility needs to be changed, upgraded, or removed as technology continues to change. 

    If decommissioning is required, nearby residents would be kept informed.

Construction impacts

Construction will be undertaken with the community in mind. These activities may cause short term impacts to the neighbourhood and Alberta Infrastructure will aim to minimize those impacts where possible.

  • Greenspace and walking path

    The existing green space and walking path would be closed during construction.

  • Traffic

    Residents would be notified according to protocols when a road closure will occur due to construction.

    There may be increased traffic associated with the construction.

  • Noise, vibration, light pollution, or dust

    Noise

    Noise would be minimized where possible and construction will occur within the City of Calgary noise bylaws.

    Vibration

    Vibrations may be felt by nearby properties and within the facility. When construction of this nature occurs, those in the area would be informed so they can plan accordingly.

    Lighting

    When necessary, nighttime lights would be used for the safety of our workers. If residents are affected by the lighting, they could contact the project team (details below) so they can make adjustments and limit the impact to residents.

    Dust

    Dust suppression (such as water) would be implemented to limit potential spread when necessary.

  • Hours

    Construction would take place between 7 am and 10 pm, standard construction hours according to City of Calgary bylaws. We will notify community members if work outside these hours are required.

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Contact

Connect with the project team:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-888-989-8810

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