More than a decade after the idea was conceived, construction is finally underway on the Saugeen Hospice in Walkerton. “This is amazing. We’ve been waiting for this for so long. It feels like an eternity. And today it’s happening,” said Julie Johnston, Fund Development and Operational Readiness manager with the Saugeen Hospice. Johnston says seven end-of-life care beds will be part of the Saugeen Hospice, but only six will be operational when the facility opens by the Summer of 2028. The $11 million project fills a geographical gap for hospice care with the closest hospice beds in Tiverton and Owen Sound. “There is a huge radius that doesn’t have hospice care, and it’s certainly required in our region. To avoid the travel, and the winters, and the cost factors. We are so delighted to be able to be bringing such a facility to our region,” said Saugeen Hospice Board Chair, Carol Kraft. While construction is underway, fundraising is far from over. “We’ve raised $8.9 million to date. We still have a funding gap of $2.1 million. So, we’re busy behind the scenes trying to raise that money, so that we can finish the build, and open the doors,” said Johnston. “Approximately 130 individuals and families will be served every year. So, it’s a wonderful place to be able to come closer to home, to receive end of life care,” said Kraft. The anticipated construction of the Saugeen Hospice built atop the Eastridge Development in Walkerton, will be completed in 14 to 15 months. However, the doors aren’t likely to open until the summer of 2028 as government approvals to operate will need to be secured, once the bricks and mortar are complete. “It’s wonderful to be able to see the machines on site and construction happening. And, our dream coming into reality,” said Johnston. Once complete, $1.3 million will need to be raised each year to operate the Saugeen Hospice, as the government covers no more than 50% of operational costs for hospices in Ontario. “We’ve been saying for a long time it’s built by the community, for the community. And, it really has been how it has unfolded that way through our journey. The community is behind us so incredibly much, and we would not be at this point without our community support,” said Johnston. “It’s our dreams come true, but our goal has been achieved. It’s happening,” said Kraft.
