It was standing room only at the soon-to-be new Community Cancer Centre at the High River Hospital Wednesday afternoon.

Former cancer patient Scott Forbes was dressed in protective gear, and with sledge hammer in hand he put the first hole in the old drywall.

"I am here to kick off the construction of what we've been working on for what seems to be a long time."

Forbes says nothing can get better when it comes to the level of care received at the centre.

He says what will change is the overall ambiance of the centre making it an even better place for everyone.

 

Cancer survivor, Scott Forbes. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

Construction starts today on the new cancer centre.

Fund Development Officer Cathy Couey says there's a lot of change coming but one means the most.

"Space is the biggest change. We are going from about 400 square feet to about 2,100 square feet."

Couey says this was a 1.6 million dollar project, and the funds were entirely raised within the foothills community.

Executive Director Michael Brown says they're excited to be moving from the fundraising phase to the actual construction phase.

"I am very proud to say that between the Foundation and the Rotary Club of High River, this has been entirely funded as a community endeavor."

He says among the many changes the new space will include examining and consulting rooms and will be able to treat more patients when it is scheduled to open later this year.