The jumbo-sized job of replacing the linear accelerator and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit is well underway at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC).
The VMC is installing these two key technologies that are in high demand for referral patients. This project includes extensive renovations to the hospital’s diagnostic and treatment suites, followed by installation of the new technologies.
This major construction project began in March 2025 and will be completed by August 2025. The project's total cost is $9 million — much of which will be covered through generous gifts from WCVM donors.
Project Updates
As scheduled, the construction project began in early March. Crews used large cranes to remove the WCVM's existing linear accelerator and MRI machine from the veterinary college.
Once the equipment was removed, workers removed the base and floor in the linear accelerator room. In the MRI area, they removed the walls and ceiling as well as the conductive box used to shield out stray electromagnetic interference (radio frequency or RF cage).
In late April/early May, crews installed the radio frequency (RF) shield in the MRI area. Shielding, which is usually made out of copper or steel, prevents external interference in the imaging process. The VMC's RF shield is made out of lightweight copper sheets on floor, ceiling and walls.
In the linear accelerator (LINAC) area, workers completed installing the LINAC's base frame and turntable. Embedded into concrete flooring, these steel frames will support the heavy weight of the LINAC.
Additional tasks:
- Installation of electrical system in LINAC room, lobby and equipment room
- Installation of duct work to lobby and equipment room
- Removal of existing transformer
- Installation of new transformer and variable frequency drive (VFD)
Background
MRI machine
The VMC permanently shut down its existing MRI unit in October 2024 due to the machine's age. As part of the major construction project, the VMC is installing a new 3 Tesla (3T) MRI unit that is capable of producing highly detailed images and delivering a variety of diagnostic capabilities.
In the interim, the hospital's leadership team has established a specific service agreement with an alternative MRI service provider in Saskatoon, Sask. This temporary arrangement ensures that VMC clinical team members have timely access to MRI services for patients at a cost that is significantly lower in comparison to other service providers in Western Canada. The VMC resumed scheduling of MRI scans for patients in mid-November.
Linear accelerator
The VMC permanently shut down its existing linear accelerator in 2022 because of substantial mechanical issues. While WCVM oncologists can still provide consults about radiation as a treatment option, any patients requiring radiation are being referred to other veterinary centres.
Once the VMC's new linear accelerator is in place, the veterinary oncology team will resume offering a full range of radiation therapies — including optimized image-guided radiotherapy and high-speed radiation treatment.