Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2
During the summer of 2025, Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) marked a significant milestone with a Change of Command ceremony, formally transferring command from Lieutenant‑Colonel (LCol) Jonathan Hallett to LCol Melanie Arsenault. The event honoured enduring leadership, continuity of stewardship, and the people who enable Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) readiness through infrastructure.
In his final remarks as Commanding Officer (CO), LCol Hallett reflected on the demands, lessons, and people that defined his three years at the RPOU(W). He noted that during his tenure, he spent approximately 75 weeks on the road, a pace that underscored the geographic breadth and complexity of the Western region. Despite this tempo, he was consistently able to report to the Canadian Forces Real Property Group (CF RP Gp) Commander that “all is quiet on the Western Front.” He emphasized that this confidence was not his own achievement, but the result of tireless work by the men and women of RPOU(W). Those works often unseen, but always essential.
In the final months of his command, RPOU(W) experienced a significant influx of infrastructure funding tied to meeting Canada’s 2% GDP defence spending target. LCol Hallett expressed sincere appreciation to the staffs who balanced fiscal responsibility with speed and accuracy, ensuring the books were balanced while still achieving strategic intent. Reflecting personally, LCol Hallett shared one of the most important lessons of his command: “When I arrived, I thought RPOU was about taking care of buildings. I quickly learned that it is about taking care of the people in the buildings.”
As RPOU(W) prepares for increased funding and accelerated delivery, he acknowledged the challenges that accompany rapid growth. In moments of uncertainty, he said he repeatedly asked himself one guiding question: “What is best for the men and women going overseas?”
He remarked that answering that question consistently has always placed him on the right path. In closing, LCol Hallett thanked the entire RPOU(W) team, expressed deep confidence in those who will carry the torch forward, and wished everyone continued success as they build upon the foundation laid together.
The incoming CO, LCol Melanie Arsenault, began her remarks with gratitude for the trust placed in her and acknowledged the significance of the leadership transition. She paid tribute to LCol Hallett’s achievements, recognizing his profound professional and personal impact on those he served throughout his career, and particularly on the people of RPOU(W). She outlined her leadership philosophy as one rooted in openness, authenticity, and hard work, committing to show up consistently, make decisions with integrity, listen to advice, and adapt to change when required.
LCol Arsenault shared her reflections on the realities of leadership as a working mother, speaking openly about the challenge of balancing professional responsibility with family life. She noted that while perfect balance does not exist, strength comes from embracing reality with honesty, determination, and accountability. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to her family for supporting her throughout her career and affirmed that their presence remains her anchor because “they are always there when I come home.”
Looking ahead, LCol Arsenault emphasized that her priorities align precisely with the Commander’s vision which is to plan and execute real property through multi‑year programs, ensuring long‑term stability and resilience. This approach, she noted, is essential to enabling CAF members to focus fully on their operational missions both at home and abroad.
The RPOU(W) Change of Command marked the beginning of the significant organizational restructuring, serving as the starting point for transformative change within the CAF. As LCol Hallett departs having strengthened the organization through care, stewardship, and trust, LCol Arsenault assumes command with clarity of vision, lived leadership experience, and deep respect for the responsibilities ahead. Together, their words underscored a shared truth that we will be expected to do everything, everywhere, all at the same time because infrastructure enables operations and people enable success.
CHIMO!