Aultman cancer center coming to Canton

Expect Aultman Health Foundation to announce soon that it will build a  $20 million cancer center at its southwest Canton campus. It previously was thought to be planned for the Aultman North area in North Canton. The Aultman plan was mentioned at a Canton Planning Commission meeting Tuesday afternoon in City Hall by Planning Director Donn Angus, though Aultman’s desire to build in Canton has been the subject of several conversations in recent weeks.

The cancer center would be included in a larger Aultman development inspired by Canton’s comprehensive plan. Aultman Hospital is one of the targeted investment areas. Recent Planning Commission discussions have touched on this Aultman commitment.

I am a member of the Planning Commission, but all of these conversations took place in public at meetings that anyone can attend.

Update 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 8:

The project may be in excess of $22 million. The cancer center will be built on Bedford Avenue SW, across the street from the new entrance to the hospital that was completed a little more than a decade ago.

Update 5:51 p.m. Tuesday, May 8:

The new cancer center will comprise 58,000 square feet. The project will include renovation of about 19,000 square feet in the existing hospital, not including equipment.