The new Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Center supports growth in Calgary’s life sciences sector

Calgary’s position as a center of excellence in health and life sciences is strengthened with the opening of the highly anticipated Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Center (Arthur Child).

Scheduled to officially open its doors to patients on October 28, the state-of-the-art, 186,000-square-foot facility will not only provide world-class oncology care, but also serve as a major center for cancer research and innovation.

As one of the most advanced cancer treatment facilities in the world, the facility’s impact is expected to extend well beyond Alberta and position Calgary at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

A new era in cancer treatment and research

With more than 160 inpatient beds, 100 patient exam rooms and 90 chemotherapy chairs, the center is equipped to handle a large volume of patients while providing world-class care.

The facility’s integration into Calgary’s life sciences ecosystem goes beyond its immediate impact on patient care. With nearly 10,000 square meters of research space, Arthur Child will be a key driver of the city’s growing reputation as a top destination for solving global health challenges. The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute – a partnership between Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary that brings together scientists and clinicians to advance integrated research – moved its work to the facility in June.

“Calgary’s life sciences sector is entering a new era of innovation and the opening of the Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Center is a testament to our city’s commitment to world-class healthcare and research,” said Brad Parry, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development (CED) .

“This facility not only represents hope for those battling cancer, but also strengthens Calgary’s position as a leader in life sciences and drives investment, innovation and opportunity for our community and beyond.”

These efforts align closely with Calgary Economic Development’s (CED) vision to grow the life sciences sector, particularly through initiatives that combine research and development (R&D) with patient care. Encouraging innovation across sectors is a key aspect of Calgary’s Economic Action Plan. Uplook.

“As a world-class research facility, this center will not only provide necessary cancer treatment, but also focus on prevention and early detection that we hope will one day lead to a cancer-free future,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith , in a press release.

A thriving life sciences sector

Calgary’s life sciences industry continues to grow, with more than 120 companies based in the city. According to BioAlberta, life sciences companies spent $327.3 million on research and development across Alberta in 2022 alone.

The addition of the Arthur Child Center strengthens the city’s – and the province’s – credentials as a hub for health innovation and provides a critical anchor for further investment and cross-sector collaboration.

Since the $1.4 billion project broke ground in 2017, community support has been fueled by the private sector and generous Calgarians through the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The charity has set a $250 million fundraising goal through its Own.Cancer campaign to advance the convergence of a world-class team and cancer care, and has raised $225 million to date.

The Life Sciences Innovation Hub (LSIH) at the University of Calgary continues to support the sector’s growth and continues to be an important resource for researchers and entrepreneurs. The Hub provides infrastructure, expertise and startup services, giving companies the support they need to scale their innovations. The university itself is ranked among the top five research universities in Canada when it comes to sponsored research funding, strengthening the city’s attractiveness for investors and innovators alike.

International companies in the industry, some of which rely on resources such as the LSIH, research expertise at the University of Calgary and a collaborative ecosystem, are also choosing Calgary for their expansion.

After contacting CED’s business development team as part of a mission to attract investment in 2023, South Korean company Bore Da Biotech chose Calgary as its North American headquarters earlier this year with a plan to hire talent and expand its research and development capabilities expand.

Bore Da is a current example of Calgary companies commercializing and scaling life-changing biomedical solutions, alongside companies such as Northern RNA, Orpyx, Fluid Biomed, NanoTess, Circle Cardiocular Imaging and Providence Therapeutics.

A vision for the future

Calgary’s life sciences sector is uniquely positioned to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, and the opening of the Arthur Child Center marks a monumental step forward in that journey. From clinical trials to new patient-centered care models, the center will be a beacon of hope not only for those affected by cancer, but for the entire field of health research and treatment.

The vision is clear: Calgary will become a global leader in life sciences, where world-class research meets compassionate patient care.

With Arthur Child and other innovative spaces and companies at the forefront, the city is paving the way for a future where healthcare innovation thrives and creates better outcomes for patients in Calgary, Canada and around the world.

Learn more about the innovations and problem-solving in Calgary’s life sciences sector here.

Photos by Alberta Health Services