$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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.