Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.