The CVS Program Countdown is On
Published Monday, January 26, 2026
Message from Dr. Stephen Adams
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Construction on the new CVS Program is well underway, as we can see every time we visit the Hospital. And what a difference since a year ago when they broke ground! The steel structure and decking for the new CVS Program should be completed sometime soon. The initial timeline calls for construction on the new building to be complete by early 2028, so the countdown is on – just two years away.
It's a mind-blowing moment in our history. Growing up here, the perception was that if you needed advanced care, you had to leave the region to get it. Once the CVS Program is completed though, the vast majority of cardiac patients will get the surgery they need, when they need it, right here in Thunder Bay. That's the last major piece to the healthcare puzzle, and one that we should all be proud of bringing here.
I imagine the Bachinski Family knows what I'm talking about. I was privileged to be there when siblings Marian Boxer and Sam Bachinski announced their incredible gift on behalf of the family. They gave over $500,000 to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation for cardiac care, cancer care, and orthopaedic care. In total, the family has given over a million dollars to the Foundation over the years. Marian spoke about the great care her parents received at the Hospital and their optimism for the future. It's inspiring how truly visionary the Bachinski Family is in their thinking, and how generous in their giving to help make it happen.
I'm also grateful by all those who participate in Foundation events and draws. A huge congratulations to Patrick and Audrey Chilton of Timmins and Moose Factory, who won a record $7.7 million in the December 50/50. Congratulations as well to Loren Forrest of Dundas, Ontario, who won the Cruising for a Cure: Jeep raffle. The rare 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition in Tuscadero Pearl is worth $160,000. The raffle raised over $400,000 for breast cancer care through the Northern Cancer Fund!
If January was busy around the Foundation, February will be even busier for Heart Month. There are many community events and fundraisers coming up that will make celebrating Heart Month fun. Keep an eye open in these pages for those events in February. Your support of local cardiac care programs will be greatly appreciated!
Have fun and stay warm,
Dr. Stephen Adams