Summary

• Peace Arch Hospital is beginning an upgrade of nearly $5 million to its MRI services
• Upgrades to MRI services and technology will offer accessibility improvements and quicker scan times, making the experience more comfortable
• While the upgrades are underway, patients will continue to receive uninterrupted care with services from a provincial mobile MRI unit on site

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Residents of White Rock and South Surrey will have greater access to updated, state-of-the-art medical imaging services as Peace Arch Hospital begins an upgrade to its MRI services, at a cost of nearly $5 million.

“People getting timely access to MRI scans is crucial to help health-care teams diagnose conditions faster and more accurately,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This important MRI upgrade will ensure people living in and around White Rock and South Surrey continue to receive timely access to improved, life-saving medical imaging technology that’s close to home. Thank you to everyone in the community who made this upgrade possible.”

While the upgrades are underway, patients will continue to receive uninterrupted care. A provincial mobile MRI unit is on site, ensuring people can still get the scans they need when they need them.

Upgrades to MRI technology provides patients with timely, team-based care

The modernized MRI is expected to be operational in late 2026 and will include new technology designed to provide increased accessibility, flexible positioning options and enable quicker scanning times, making the experience more comfortable for those who may feel anxious during imaging.

“This significant upgrade means faster, more reliable diagnoses and a better care experience for people in White Rock and South Surrey,” said Dermot Kelly, president and CEO, Fraser Health. “By retaining the existing MRI magnet and modernizing the technology around it, we are bringing leading-edge imaging to the community in a way that is both efficient and environmentally responsible. I am grateful to our dedicated teams and partners whose support made this important improvement possible.”

The Province is partnering with the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, backed by local donors, to bring enhanced imaging services to the community.

“During our IMAGINE campaign, our community came together to fund this essential upgrade for Peace Arch Hospital,” said Stephanie Beck, CEO of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation. “We're deeply grateful to every donor because their contributions have made a meaningful difference. The arrival of the mobile MRI, with a permanent MRI arriving later this year, helps us continue to provide exceptional care to our community.”

The Province is committed to providing timely, high-quality care when and where people need it. Upgrades to the Peace Arch Hospital MRI services are a key part of B.C.’s plan to strengthen primary care, improving access to diagnostic imaging and ensuring people receive care as quickly as possible.

Quotes:

Garry Begg, parliamentary secretary of Surrey infrastructure –

“Improving MRI services at Peace Arch Hospital strengthens care for the whole community. People in White Rock and South Surrey will benefit from quicker access to vital diagnostic scans and a more comfortable experience when they need it most.”

Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood – 

“Having reliable access to diagnostic imaging close to home makes a real difference for people and their families. These upgrades at Peace Arch Hospital will help reduce wait times and ensure patients can get the answers they need sooner.”

Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey-Newton –

“Upgrading MRI services is about improving the experience for patients and making care more timely and accessible, when and where they need it. Our communities will benefit from faster, more comfortable scans and the confidence that high-quality health care is available close to home.”

Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre –  

“This is the kind of investment the community has been asking for. It will reduce wait times and bring timely, high‑quality diagnostic care closer to home.”

Quick Facts:

• MRI scans enable care providers to identify and plan treatments for conditions such as cancers, heart disease, neurological conditions and injuries.
• Over the coming months, the hospital’s existing MRI machine will be refurbished, keeping its core magnet, while upgrading the surrounding technology to modern standards. 
• Since April 2025, Fraser Health has welcomed 177 new medical imaging technologists who play a vital role in patient care supporting people in emergency departments, in-patient units, outpatient clinics and specialized programs.
• Approximately 9,200 MRI scans were conducted at Peace Arch Hospital in 2025.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the Province's primary-care strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010
• For more information about Fraser Health, visit: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/