Delays plague cyclotron project
THUNDER BAY – The city's long-awaited cyclotron project continues to face delays.
Despite the delays Michael Wood, the new president of the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, says the $10-million project remains a top priority.
The cyclotron will be used to produce medical isotopes for detecting cancer, and will be located near the radiation facility at the Regional Hospital. Former Research Institute president Michael Power had originally hoped to begin construction at the hospital site last fall.
He resigned from the position in the spring, and was replaced by Wood.
The new president says they're continuing to work with planners to develop the site and get approvals from regulatory authorities.
The project received $4 million in funding from both the federal and provincial governments, along with $1.5 million from the city.
Once it's in operation, the cyclotron will be used to produce isotopes both for local medical research, and to sell to other hospitals as well.
(Thunder Bay Television)
