News Release

Expanded Penticton Community Oncology Network clinic opens

June 19, 2025

People in the south Okanagan will soon benefit from improved access to cancer care, thanks to the upgrades to cancer treatment facilities at Penticton Regional Hospital.

“So many people have been affected by cancer in some way,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “The upgraded Community Oncology Network clinic will make it easier for people in the Okanagan to access the cancer treatment and care they need, closer to home with the support of their families and loved ones.” 

The newly renovated and expanded Community Oncology Network clinic at 550 Carmi Ave., Penticton Regional Hospital, will open on Monday, June 23, 2025. Three times larger than the previous space, the clinic will help reduce wait times, provide greater privacy for patients and meet the increasing demand for cancer care. It also offers modern equipment, more comfortable and accessible facilities, and a better working environment for staff.

“Dignity is important when patients and their families are going through a traumatic time in their lives, but now they can do it in an area everyone deserves,” said Barb George, a recent patient and a volunteer at the hospital. “The new area will make it better for all the oncology staff members to complete the various treatments required for each individual in a more spacious and updated area, while they are helping people through their healing process.”

Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, said: “This new, modern clinic will help patients and their loved ones heal. The upgraded space will support collaborative, team-based care leading to better outcomes for patients and a better work environment for care providers.”

The $22-million expansion project was cost-shared between the B.C. government, Interior Health, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District and the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

The expanded Penticton Regional Hospital Community Oncology clinic is a part of B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, which sets out immediate steps to improve cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The plan aims to deliver better care for people facing cancer, while building capacity to meet the growing needs of the future. 

Learn More: 

To see the Penticton Regional Hospital oncology unit video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBAWEi2Igek

To read the original funding announcement on Oct. 18, 2022, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0196-001529

To learn more about B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HLTH0012-000229 

For more information about health capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects

A backgrounder follows.

Backgrounder
What people are saying about the new clinic

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon Lumby – 

“Facing cancer is one of life’s hardest challenges, and no one should face it alone or far from home. As a nurse and health-care advocate for over 25 years, I’ve seen both the power of timely, accessible care and the pain of this disease. This expansion is more than added space; it’s about compassionate, dignified care that brings hope and better outcomes. It’s a vital investment that brings essential treatment closer to home, supported by family and community.”

Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health – 

“Every element of this new unit is focused on combining modern medical innovation, clinical expertise and compassionate care, all to support patients and their families through one of the most challenging times in their lives. The thoughtful design supports Interior Health staff and physicians to provide increased access to quality cancer care in the south Okanagan.”

Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, interim executive vice-president and chief medical officer, BC Cancer – 

“Bringing high-quality cancer care close to home is a key goal of B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan. With this updated and expanded Community Oncology Network clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital, more people in the south Okanagan will be able to access the care they need with less travel and with the support of family, friends and neighbours nearby.” 

Ian Lindsay, CEO, South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation – 

“I am incredibly grateful to see our community come together to make the new oncology clinic a reality. This centre stands as a testament to what we can achieve when a community comes together to lead the way. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” 

Martin Johansen, chair, Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District – 

“On behalf of the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District, we are proud to be a funding partner for the new oncology unit at Penticton Regional Hospital. These services will play a critical role in helping meet the health-care needs of our community and allow residents to access the care they need, closer to home.”

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