Feds inject $5m for medical research lab: AMRIC expansion to former school expected by late 2016.

• Author: Migneault, Jonathan
• Position: CONSTRUCTION

The research arm of Health Sciences North in Sudbury is one step closer to expanding its facility thanks to a $5-million investment FedNor Minister Greg Rickford announced on March 20.

The announcement follows another $5-million commitment the province made in 2014, and $1.75 million from the City of Greater Sudbury to create more than 12,000 square feet of lab space and another 13,000 square feet for offices that will host students, researchers and administrators.

"I think this kind of research is going to contribute to quality care for towns, cities and First Nations across the region," Rickford said.

The Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC) currently occupies around 12,000 square feet of lab space at the hospital.

"Right now we're kind of landlocked in our current space in the hospital," said Dr. Janet McElhaney, one of the lead researchers with AMRIC. "This will allow us to expand."

McElhaney's research focuses on geriatrics and developing more effective vaccines for the elderly.

She said the expansion will push Sudbury closer to the forefront of health research.

"You can't believe the change in the research environment in this hospital," she said. "We're at a point now where we want to become leaders in health care."

Dr. Denis Roy, president and CEO at Health Sciences North, said AMRIC's expansion will...