![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
$2 million Huron Hospice expansion nearing completion
Construction crews are feverishly trying to complete a massive expansion of Huron County’s largest end of life care facility.
“We currently have a four-bed capacity, and we’ll be going to six beds with full suites. So, that will include walkout patios and more space in the rooms than we currently have,” said Huron Hospice Executive Director Willy Van Klooster.
While the construction is going well at Huron Hospice’s Bender House near Clinton, it’s costing more than originally planned, said Van Klooster.
The original estimate of $1.6 million has now become more than $2 million. Good thing sponsors like Bruce Power, the Kincardine area nuclear operators, have come through with $100,000 to help complete the work left to do.
“Huron County is an important part of what we consider to be our community. Bruce, Grey, and Huron. We have a lot of employees living in Huron County, and we get a lot of support from Huron County. We have made a concerted effort, I think, to make sure we’re doing our part to give that support back that we’ve received so strongly,” said Bruce Power spokesperson John Peevers.
Representatives from Huron Hospice near Clinton, Ont. and Bruce Power hold a cheque for $100,000 towards Huron Hospice’s multi-million dollar expansion on April 17, 2024. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
Van Klooster said Huron Hospice supported 72 individuals and their families during their end of life journey last year.
Since opening in 2018, more than 210 families have used their services.
Van Klooster anticipates the expansion from four to six beds will mean more than 100 people can die with dignity at Huron Hospice’s Bender House each year going forward.
Six months into a nine-month construction project to expand Huron Hospice from four beds to six, seen on April 17, 2024. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“The average length of stay here is 15 days. So, we try to make every day special in the last period of someone’s life, and also their family members’ lives who are here as well,” said VanKlooster.
If all goes well this summer, Huron Hospice’s expansion should be ready to receive clients by August, according to Van Klooster.
Huron County has one other residential hospice located in Exeter, called Jessica’s House. It is currently a three-bed facility.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING NEWS Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent's fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
What happens next: Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
Justin Trudeau reacts to Joe Biden announcing he won't run for re-election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden won’t run for re-election Sunday, calling Biden a 'true friend.'
Harris, endorsed by Biden, could become first woman, second Black person to be U.S. president
Kamala Harris could become the first Black woman to head a major U.S. party presidential ticket after U.S. President Joe Biden abruptly ended his re-election bid and endorsed her.
Read Biden's full text announcing the end to his re-election campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump. He announced his decision in a letter posted on social media. Read the full text.
LCBO workers ratify tentative agreement, strike ends Monday
The union representing 10,000 workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has ratified a tentative agreement, which will officially end its two-week strike at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.