The Galilee Centre’s website has an FAQ section regarding the sale of twenty acres of its land to developer Cavanagh Communities which describes how the situation came to be.
Search for the document, “Moving Forward at Galilee Centre” to review its perspective.
What has for some time been regarded as one property has been divided three ways. The Oblate Order (OMI Canada) is retaining the historic cemetery, and ceded remaining lands to the Galilee Centre to be used to help fund the local retreat house continuing activities.
A large 20 acre wrap-around portion was, on July 6th (2024), sold to developer Cavanagh Communities, a firm under the umbrella of Thomas Cavanagh Construction. This includes lands bordering the entrance-way to the retreat house and the Gillies Grove Nature Reserve, and a portion of the Ottawa River shoreline.
In announcing the sale, on July 6th of this year, an additional document was added to the queue, wherein it is stated the Oblates had recognized the Galilee Centre’s desire to continue as a separate entity as early as November of 2023, and that it would continue its mission on a 15 acre parcel of land bordering the retreat house. The balance of land, a 20 acre parcel, was subject to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Cavanagh Communities.
The letter promises Public Information Sessions on Galilee’s future, and concludes, “This is good news indeed! Galilee Centre has a bright and promising future!”
Perhaps not so much for the Gillies Grove Nature Reserve, as there is concern expressed by the Save the Grove, Again committee that the loss of meadowland habitat to residential development will curtail the natural growth of the Grove’s Old Growth Forest.
The Galilee FAQ document indicates there was some discussion with the Nature Conservancy of Canada regarding a portion of the 20 acre parcel:
“The Nature Conservancy of Canada sent an email to Galilee Centre in September 2023 expressing interest to purchase “portions of the property near Gillies Grove.” Although this option was considered it was determined that it would not provide sufficient monetary return to be able to continue the operations of Galilee Centre. No follow-up from the Nature Conservancy of Canada presenting other options was made between September and March.”
The impression of the Nature Conservancy about this dialogue differs somewhat:
“In September 2023, the Nature Conservancy of Canada did express interest to OMI Lacombe Canada to discuss the securement of a portion of the Galilee Centre lands, to be an addition to the Gillies Grove Nature Reserve. It was a high-level inquiry at the time.” Brianne Curry, NCC Communications Manager, continues, “The Nature Conservancy of Canada is not aware of any opportunities to secure land from OMI Lacombe Canada, by purchase or donation, at this time.”
The Galilee Centre’s FAQs summarize, “Only after all these conversations were exhausted did the Board of Galilee Centre decide to reach out to developers in March 2024. Cavanagh Communities was the successful purchaser.”
While aware of public interest (and concern) has grown on the matter, and the Galilee says it was contacted by the Save the Grove Again spokespersons in early August, but that “it was out of the (Galilee) Board’s scope of authority to address these concerns at this time. Public concerns about the environmental impact of potential development can only be addressed by Cavanagh Communities in their development plan once their impact assessment has been completed.”
A report broadcast by CBC indicates, “Cavanagh Communities told CBC it expects to finalize the deal by Sept. 16. The developer would not comment on what it has planned for the site.”
By Rick Stow