MIHA Presents Primrose Medical Centre to Qualicum Beach Town Council
On February 11, 2026, Mid Island Health Alliance Chair Susanne Cunningham, Medical Director Dr. Kelly Hadfield and Donna Hais of R.W. Wall Ltd. presented the plans for Primrose Medical Centre to Qualicum Beach Town Council. Here's an overview of what we shared, or you can view the full presentation (PDF).
Why a Community-Driven Model
MIHA recognized early on that traditional funding and space acquisition would take too long to meet our community's needs. Stories from local families and neighbours made the urgency clear, so MIHA chose a community-driven approach to bring Primrose Medical Centre to life.
Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek has echoed that need, telling PQB News in January that health care is "at the top of my list."
The Clinic at a Glance
Location: 661 Primrose Road, Qualicum Beach
Size: 3,378 square feet
Exam rooms: 9
Family physicians: 4 to 10, with 4 planning to start in September 2026
Specialist access: Local access to up to 12 specialists
Specialty clinics: Multiple community clinics to meet local needs
What Makes Primrose Medical Centre Different
The clinic will offer specialty clinics based on community referrals, including women's health, geriatrics and maternity care. It will also host rotating specialists, such as plastic surgeons, psychiatrists, geriatricians, gynecologists, skin cancer specialists, cardiologists, physiatrists and more.
How the Clinic Will Operate
Primrose Medical Centre operates on a not-for-profit, shared cost-recovery model:
Physicians contribute proportionally to clinic overhead and operating costs
Physician services are billed to MSP through each doctor's own professional corporation
Patient attachment is supported through the Health Connect Registry
The Investment
Start-up costs are estimated at $1.2 to $1.5 million, including:
About $900,000 for renovations by R.W. Wall Ltd.
$135,000 to equip nine exam rooms ($15,000 per room)
The remainder for fixtures, supplies and a modest contingency
Leasehold improvements and medical equipment are funded through community philanthropy. MIHA received a $500,000 lead gift from Dr. Paul and Gill Connor, former owners of the building and long-time Qualicum Beach residents. At the time of the presentation, total private donations had passed $700,000.
The 2026 Timeline
February to March: Building permit approvals
April: Construction begins
May: Build extension, only if needed
June to August: Equipping the centre
August: Fixtures completed
September: Grand opening
Community Impact
Primrose Medical Centre will expand local access to primary and specialty care, connect residents with a consistent primary care provider, and improve timely access to specialists. It will also reduce travel outside the community, ease pressure on existing health services, and provide continuity during staffing shortages.
Our Two Asks of Council
MIHA asked Qualicum Beach Town Council for two things: to expedite permit approvals, and to provide financial support for Primrose Medical Centre. We're grateful to Council for supporting this project.
Help Build Primrose Medical Centre
MIHA invites residents, businesses and supporters to contribute to construction, equipment and start-up costs. Donations are made through the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, which issues tax receipts.
