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Kelly Chartrand, executive director of St. Joseph's Hospice, stands in the office space which will become a new, three-bed rural hospice at Lambton Meadowview Villa.

Outgoing Petrolia mayor urges hospice donation

September 18, 2026

The Independent

Outgoing Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley wants taxpayers to support the new three-bed hospice being built by St. Joseph’s Hospice at Lambton Meadowview Villa.

The province approved funding for three rural hospice beds in January 2025. In December, St. Joseph’s Hospice announced plans to build them in an area at Meadowview which was originally built as respite rooms for families.

The province will provide up to $750,000 to renovate the space and $516,000 in yearly operating funding. The Hospice’s foundation will have to raise $170,000 per year to support the care at the home.

Loosley wants council to consider a $25,000 gift from the taxpayers.

“I feel this is a very important project for Petrolia and surrounding area…The province pays for the renovation, but not the equipment.”

Council agreed to bring the request up during the 2027 Budget deliberation which will be presided over by the new council, likely in January.

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