East Kootenay Regional Hospital gets more funding for cancer and renal building project

The hospital district has approved more funding for a much-needed expansion project at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) in Cranbrook.

Interior Health announced a project last year to house the oncology and renal departments from EKRH in a new two-storey building.

A special meeting was called on Wednesday (Feb. 25) after Interior Health requested an additional $7,126,400 for the initiative, bringing its total cost to over $76.7 million, divided between Interior Health and the hospital district.

“With the Province preparing to make capital funding decisions before our next Hospital District meeting—and given that the project may not be approved without formal confirmation of our commitment to provide the additional funds— the Board convened a Special Meeting and adopted the required bylaw amendments today,” said KERHD Board Chair David Wilks.

“With our funding in place, we trust the Province will continue to move this project forward, approve its share of the funding increase, and proceed with construction plans this year.”

Residents may expect a tax increase of $30 per average property each year from 2026 to 2030 as a result. 

“This project is critical for our region. This Board has […] consistently and proactively designated funding to ensure we were ready to act once the project was approved. Now is the time to act. We cannot afford to wait or to have this project delayed any further,” says Wilks.

The Kootenay East Regional Hospital District has also approved up to $15 million for a third floor to be added onto the project, with Elk Valley Resources set to match the amount.

Design and construction are expected to start in May this year. The new departments are projected to open in January 2029.