Built by the Community. For the Community.

Community celebrates years of generosity while beginning the next chapter toward creating a lasting legacy of compassionate end-of-life care closer to home.

BROCKTON, ONTARIO – July 15, 2026 - Saugeen Hospice Inc. celebrated a historic milestone today as community leaders, volunteers, donors, healthcare partners, government representatives and supporters gathered to officially mark the groundbreaking for the future hospice residence in Walkerton.

Today's ceremony celebrated years of community leadership, generosity and collaboration that have transformed a shared vision into a project entering the construction phase. It also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter as Saugeen Hospice Inc. expands opportunities for the broader community to help complete this lasting legacy.

The ceremony recognized the thousands of people and organizations whose vision, leadership and generosity have brought Saugeen Hospice Inc. to this milestone, including early community champions, municipal and provincial partners, the Municipality of Brockton and Council, current and former Board members, staff, volunteers, donors, businesses, foundations, service clubs, healthcare partners and community organizations.

"Today's groundbreaking is a celebration of what our community can accomplish when people come together around a shared vision," said Carol Kraft, Chair of the Saugeen Hospice Inc. Board of Directors. "Every volunteer, donor, business, municipality, healthcare partner and community supporter has helped bring us to this remarkable milestone. This truly has been built by the community, for the community."

Through the extraordinary generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations, service clubs, municipalities and community partners, Saugeen Hospice Inc. has secured 85% of the estimated build costs through donations and pledges, including approximately 50 leadership gifts. This remarkable achievement reflects our community's shared commitment to ensuring compassionate end-of-life care is available closer to home.

While this remarkable achievement has made today's milestone possible, continued community support remains essential to complete the hospice build and prepare for opening.

Construction is planned to begin in September 2026. While physical site work is expected later this fall, extensive technical work is already underway, including coordination with J.P. Commercial Contractors Inc. Ministry of Health approvals, site planning, build permitting, land title transfer and other essential activities required before construction can begin.

When complete, Saugeen Hospice Inc. will provide a purpose-built, home-like residence where individuals living with a life-limiting illness can receive compassionate end-of-life care surrounded by family, friends and familiar communities. The residence will serve families throughout southern Grey-Bruce and surrounding communities.

Groundbreaking marks the commencement of the final build approval process before construction can proceed - but completing the hospice build will continue to depend on the generosity, commitment and shared vision of our community.

As construction preparations continue, Saugeen Hospice Inc. invites individuals, families, businesses, foundations, service clubs and community organizations to continue building this lasting community legacy.

Whether through a personal donation, business partnership, memorial or legacy gift, volunteering or community fundraising, everyone has an opportunity to help bring compassionate end-of-life care closer to home.

"Today's groundbreaking is a celebration of how far we've come together, but it is also a reminder that our journey continues," said Julie Johnston, Director of Fund Development & Operational Readiness. "The hospice we are building will serve families for generations to come, and every donation, every partnership and every act of generosity helps move us one step closer to opening our doors. We invite everyone to become part of this lasting community legacy."

Hospice is about more than a building. It is about ensuring individuals receive compassionate care with dignity and comfort while giving families the opportunity to spend meaningful time together in a peaceful, home-like environment during one of life's most meaningful journeys.

To learn more about Saugeen Hospice Inc. and how you can become part of this historic community project, visit www.saugeenhospice.ca.

About Saugeen Hospice Inc.

Saugeen Hospice Inc. is a registered charitable organization working to build and operate a residential hospice that will provide compassionate end-of-life care closer to home. Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by communities throughout the region, Saugeen Hospice Inc. is creating a welcoming, home-like residence where individuals and families will receive expert end-of-life care with dignity, comfort and compassion.

Media Contact
Julie Johnston
Director, Fund Development & Operational Readiness
Saugeen Hospice Inc.
519-901-1007
julie@saugeenhospice.ca
www.saugeenhospice.ca