A ground breaking ceremony has been held at the site of the future, two storey Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce.
Although work has already started at the location next to the Owen Sound hospital, officials were on hand Thursday to mark the start of construction on the $3.5 million facility.
Site preparation began earlier this month at the 1725 10th Street East location in Owen Sound, meeting the goal to begin work on the project in the spring of this year.
Right now, the Hospice is operating out of a temporary location at Seasons Retirement Community in Owen Sound.
It is funded by the South West LHIN through the Ministry of Health for six beds to serve the region of Grey and Bruce.
The new hospice will provide care for up to nine patients based on the demand for this service, the aging population of the region and the wait list for access to our care.
Executive Director Scott Lovell says it is the hope and expectation that once constructed the South West LHIN will provide funding for at least eight beds.
Lovell says the newly constructed hospice will be named Chapman House, in recognition of the $1 million donation from the Chapman family of Markdale.
The fundraising goal for the facility is $3.5 million and already $2-million has been raised, including the money from the Chapman family.
A number of fundraising events are planned over the next few months including the Hike For Hospice, a gala event in July, third party fundraiser’s and other activities that will be announced shortly.
Residential Hospices in Ontario are not eligible for capital support through the government.
Lovell says the goal is to have the Hospice built and open by January or February of next year.