The BC Cancer Agency′s BC Cancer Research Centre in Vancouver is one of the largest free-standing cancer research centres in Canada - 233,000 square feet. Built with donations to the BC Cancer Foundation and opened in March 2005, the centre provides the opportunity for researchers and clinicians to collaborate in the quick translation of new knowledge into improved outcomes for cancer patients in every part of B.C.

BC Cancer Foundation donors made these outstanding research centres possible, and continue to do so - thank you.

The  BC Cancer Foundation continues to raise funds to equip the new centre. Additional funds are required to purchase specialized research equipment and to support important research programs in the new centre. For more information about the new BC Cancer Research Centre or to  donate call 604-877-6040 or toll free 1-888-906-CURE (2873)

Inside the BC Cancer Agency′s BC Cancer Research Centre - Vancouver

The Centre is home to eight research departments and the  Rix Family Discovery Centre library. Made up of basic research scientists and clinical research, each department collaborates in discovering the causes of cancer, and ways to improve prevention and treatment and develop more effective ways to control and cure the disease.

Rix Family Discovery Centre

Named in honour of the generous donation given by the Rix family, Don, his wife Eleanor and daughter Laurie, the Rix Discovery Centre has a ″walk-in″ location on the ground floor of the BC Cancer Agency′s BC Cancer Research Centre. Readily accessible to both patients and their families, as well as scientists and healthcare professionals, the centre is to be enhanced by internet access, so people from around the province can arm themselves with the vital information they need.

Building Facts

• Size − 231,000 square feet
• Cost − $95 million
• Completion: late 2004
• Designed by IBI Group Henriquez Partners
• Over 50 principal scientists
• Capacity for up to 600 scientific and medical personnel − an increase from 318 positions
• Brings world-renowned BC Cancer Agency research scientists together in one location
• Will connect directly to the BC Cancer Agency′s Vancouver Centre, allowing scientists and clinicians to work closely together
• A further 125,000 square feet dedicated to future research is planned for Phase 2

Funded Through:

• Generous donations to BC Cancer Foundation
• Canada Foundation for Innovation ($27.8 M)
• Knowledge Development Fund ($27.8 M)