History
A heritage to preserve.
A new history to write.
The origins of the project date back to 2008. After the closing of the Church of St. Raphael the Archangel on Lajoie Avenue in Montreal, the Archdiocese of Montreal agreed to transfer the use of this magnificent building and its land to the community, with the intent of enabling a unifying and humanitarian project that would benefit the entire community.
A committee composed of former parishioners and people from the business and health care sectors was formed to study and analyze the needs of the community. They found that what the area needed most was a palliative care home and day centre. That is how the St. Raphael’s project was born, in memory of Father Gerry, the last parish priest at St. Raphael’s, a generous and devoted man whose simple mission in life was to serve others, and who passed away from cancer in 2007.
| 2009 | Agreement with the Archdiocese of Montreal for site development. Recognized as a charitable organization by the Canada Revenue Agency. |
| 2010 | Architectural plans drawn up. Construction and operating cost studies completed. |
| 2011 | Site rezoned by the Borough of CDN-NDG with a focus on sustainable development and harmonious integration. |
| 2012 | Feasibility study conducted with potential major donors, yielding favourable results. |
| 2012-2015 | Bonds established with the community, hospitals and organizations offering palliative care, as well as the Montreal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre. Awareness raising events. |
| 2015 | Beginning of the major fundraising campaign. |
| 2016 | Contribution to annual operating costs confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. |
| 2017 | Groundbreaking ceremony (fall). |
| 2019 | Opening. |
