Community support remains key to bringing MRI to Huron County as changing costs calls for more funds

By: Mandy Sinclair

As the Magnetic Moments campaign moves closer to bringing the first MRI to Huron County, Huron Health System (HHS) is taking steps to ensure the project is positioned for success.

On Wednesday, October 14, Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of HHS, presented a project and budget update to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation’s Board of Directors and campaign cabinet.

Trieu outlined the need for an additional $1,000,000 in fundraising support.

This adjustment brings the campaign’s total fundraising goal to $7,500,000 and reflects changing market conditions affecting project costs.

This additional funding request is driven by three distinct pressure points.

Trade Tariffs and Supply Chain Volatility:

Unforeseen shifts in international supply chains and recently imposed trade tariffs have significantly increased the acquisition costs of critical raw materials, specialised shielding, and core infrastructure equipment required for the facility.

Inflationary Construction Pressures:

Persistent inflation across the non-residential construction sector has elevated labour rates, subcontractor trade fees, and baseline material pricing well beyond our initial contingency allowances.

Anticipated Supply and Installation Costs:

High-grade medical diagnostic equipment, specialised HVAC/chiller systems, and precise interior buildout components carry rising delivery and technical integration expenditures.

“We know that rising costs are being felt by families and businesses across our country, and healthcare projects are not immune to those pressures,” said Trieu.

“As we move forward with the project, we are working closely with our project partners to plan for construction, prepare to issue a request for proposal (RFP) and carefully manage costs at every stage.”

Trieu said the MRI machine was purchased under budget, and AMGH Foundation is continuing to make thoughtful decisions to make the most of the funds entrusted to AMGH.

By planning carefully and accounting for the changing costs of construction and materials, AMGH is working to put this investment on a strong financial footing and bring MRI services closer to home for the people of Huron County.

In just 10 months, the community has shown consistently and enthusiastically, raising nearly the original fundraising goal.

“This level of support is incredible,” said Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, Magnetic Moments campaign chair.

“As tariffs, inflation and fuel prices dominate headlines and drive prices up, we are hopeful the community will continue to rally together and support this important campaign to help us cross the finish line.”

While project planning and preliminary site preparation is progressing well, macroeconomic factors beyond the initial baseline projections have placed unprecedented pressure on overall construction budget.

To date, the campaign has now reached $6,292,390.25 with $1,207,609.75 to go with the revised fundraising goal.

Efforts will continue to build on the momentum within the community with several third-party events planned in the coming months across Huron County and generous donors stepping forward with gifts of stocks, pledges and donations of all amounts.

“Projects of this scale are impossible without extraordinary volunteer dedication,” remarked Trieu.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Foundation Board, the Magnetic Moments campaign team, and the various fundraising committees.

“Their tireless efforts, passionate advocacy and relentless commitment to engaging donors across our community continue to inspire us all.”

With an RFP issuance scheduled for spring 2027, Trieu says construction start date is aimed for autumn 2027 with a projected first scan in the spring of 2029.

For more information or to make a donation, visit https://magneticmoments.amghfoundation.ca/

Mandy Sinclair is the Campaign Associate for the AMGH Foundation