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The International Vaccine Centre (InterVac)
About InterVac
There is a worldwide shortage of facilities in which to study diseases such as avian influenza H5N1, tuberculosis, West Nile virus and SARS -- all Containment Level 3 diseases. Led by VIDO, the University of Saskatchewan is building the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac), a $140 million vaccine research and development facility. InterVac will be the largest Containment Level 3 facility in Western Canada developing vaccines for humans and animals against emerging or persistent CL3 diseases. To be built next to VIDO, InterVac will enhance a life sciences research cluster that is unique in North America.
Construction Update to February 2008
By late winter 2007, all electrical and natural gas infrastructure necessary for construction had been installed, and excavation of the foundation had begun. More than 30,000 cubic yards of earth have been removed. The InterVac foundation is taking shape, with piling and beam construction and the pouring of the floor and wall. (next update June 2008)
Multimedia
Webcam
Video:
InterVac -- 3D animation
InterVac -- "Dreams of a New Chapter in Vaccine Research" (featuring Dr. Lorne Babiuk, VIDO Director 1993-2007)
Fact sheet:
InterVac Backgrounder (PDF)
Download image : Aerial view looking northeast (courtesy AODBT in association with Smith Carter)
For more information
To request information on InterVac, feel free to contact our communications staff.
The University of Saskatchewan has created an independent InterVac Community Liaison Committee (CLC). This committee incorporates members from local stakeholder groups and monitors issues related to safety and any incidents of potential public interest.
The first appointees to the InterVac CLC, in addition to the co-chairs, are:
* Dr. Peter Barrett, physician, former president of the Canadian Medical Association
* Dick Batten, QC, lawyer and Sutherland resident
* Brian Bentley, City of Saskatoon Fire Chief
* Roy Dobson, President of the Varsity View Community Association
* Noreen Jeffrey, educator
* John LaClare, agribusiness
* Susan Lamb, CEO of the Meewasin Valley Authority
* Claire Macsymic, member at large
* Dr. Cory Neudorf, Chief Medical Health Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the CLC Co-Chair, Patricia Roe, with any questions or concerns.
Past news releases
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