Statement from Oliver Jacob, Chair of the Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) Board of Directors 

Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) would like to address recent community concerns and clarify its’ involvement in the potential purchase of land from the Galilee Mission Centre of Arnprior. This land acquisition is of strategic importance to both ARH and our community as it offers an opportunity for future hospital and primary healthcare expansion adjacent to our current location, while safeguarding the beauty and sacredness of our grove and its access to the public and our community.  

In September 2023, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI Lacombe Canada) announced the closure of the Galilee Mission Centre and subsequent sale of the 35-acre property by mid-2024.   

In November 2023, the ARH Board of Directors authorized negotiations for the purchase of a 15-acre portion of that property. Since then, ARH Board members and staff have worked closely with legal counsel, Galilee Board representatives, and the Town of Arnprior to assess the feasibility of the acquisition.   

After months of promising discussion, ARH submitted a written offer in March 2024. This offer was based on the midpoint of two independent market appraisals. Following the submission of the formal offer, ARH received limited communication from the Galilee Board.   

ARH was surprised and disappointed to learn through a letter published on the Galilee Centre website on July 6, 2024 that the land had been sold to Cavanagh Communities. While this was not the outcome we had hoped for, ARH remains committed to seeking out opportunities to support the future growth of healthcare services for the community.  

In the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, the ARH Board of Directors identified the need to develop a future oriented plan for the revitalization of our built infrastructure to advance our journey as a health hub that provides the next generation of care within our community. Given the reality of an aging building first opened as our local Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital in 1945, we are committed to the future redevelopment and sustainability of our hospital, primary care building and health care services across our catchment area. 

ARH is, and will continue to be, focused on ensuring we have the necessary resources to create a thriving community together and we look forward to working with the Greater Arnprior community over the coming years on this project. 

Sincerely, 

Oliver Jacob 

Board Chair, ARH

Media Contact:

Taylor Holmes, Communications and Community Engagement Lead

[email protected]