Shovels in the ground
Chris Abbott
Editor
Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice breaks ground for The Williamson House hospice centre
After years of planning, fundraising and community support, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice (NHCH) officially ‘broke ground’ Sept. 23 on the site of the future Williamson House hospice palliative care centre.
Located on Nanticoke Creek Parkway, near Jarvis, it is being built on land donated by Alan Williamson in memory of his father, Drew.
The Sept. 23rd ‘shovels in the ground’ ceremony and groundbreaking marked the start of its construction phase, with a target completion date of 2028.
“It’s going to be absolutely beautiful,” said Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “And as we hear the wind blowing through these trees, what better way for our families to be out there on that walking trail? It’s going to be breathtaking.
“Today we break ground, soon the doors will open, and for years to come this place will be here for families when they need it most,” said Bentley.
When fully operational, The Williamson House will offer 10 dedicated hospice palliative care bedrooms, giving individuals in their last days compassionate care while their families get the support they need. The centre will expand current services and ‘offer a safe space for individuals to receive support and care for emotional needs before and after the death of a loved one.’
“It is important to understand that it has been a multi-faceted journey to get here today,” said Lisa Nigh, hospice volunteer. “This is an honourable milestone moment.
“Norfolk County has played a huge, important role in the journey towards making The Williamson House a reality,” said Nigh, introducing Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin to the gathering on site.
“This turnout is unbelievable,” said Mayor Martin, who after visiting the Jarvis site said, “’What better of a location could you truly ask for?’ On this beautiful property… this is the spot. Your (Williamson family) donation is just outstanding, and to see the mature trees, and as Mayor Bentley said, to hear the wind, and just the topography itself, this is the place to be.
“It’s an incredibly exciting day for Norfolk and Haldimand, and the hardworking group and faces and people behind the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice,” said Martin. “For years we’ve talked about the need for this in our community, and I have reminded quite a few members… it’s truly remarkable in that amount of time, that we are here today breaking ground on this facility. A lot of projects do not come to fruition. A lot of projects don’t make it this far. A lot of projects don’t find community support, backing, multi-ministerial government chipping in to make it happen. I know you have been busy, I know there have been long days, there have been discouraging things that have happened, but to be here in the amount of time that you have brought this together is remarkable and is worth celebrating.”
Martin noted that while they were advocating, fundraising, and building partnerships, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice also continued to support families with programs and services.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Martin to the growing NHCH team, and to the Norfolk County family of Dan and Jill Johnson, “who have been amazing champions of this project and have taken a very personal story and brought our community along with them every step of the way.
“To the Williamson family, thank you so much. Your extraordinary generosity, and the donation, and the contributions to this project… it is a legacy that will impact people for generations. Remarkable. It is people like you who take an idea and a concept – and catapult it into reality.”
During its 2026 budget process, Martin noted Norfolk County council committed $750,000 towards the construction of the hospice (including $250,000 coming in 2027).
“It’s a significant investment that reflects something that Norfolk County Council and Norfolk County understands very clearly. Although this is a building being constructed here in Haldimand, this hospice belongs to both of our communities. Residents of Norfolk deserve the opportunity to receive compassionate end-of-life care close to home, just the same as the folks in Haldimand do, surrounded by the people they love. Our families deserve that too, during and after the loss of someone they love.
“I look forward to the day when the doors open. Congratulations, and let’s get building,” Martin concluded.
Maureen Russell, Care Services Lead and a founding member of NHCH, with assistance from community friends, offered a blessing on the land, and shared what the hospice centre promises.
“A promise that no one should have to leave their community to find care when facing life’s final journey and the journey of grief,” said Russell. “A promise that compassion will always have a home. A promise that every person and family served by this sacred home, and those who work within, will be met with dignity, with comfort, and with love.”
“What a really significant view of what our community is,” said NHCH board chair Michael Godelie. “People coming together to help bring this project forward, so quickly, and easily actually. We really are so lucky to be where we are.”
There is still work to be done, said Godelie, noting they are still raising funds to meet project requirements. They have raised 85% of their projected $17M, and need another $2M for furnishings and first-year operating costs.
“This is a passion of mine, to help build a hospice,” said Andrea Binkle, Executive Director of NHCH, hoping the hospice’s foundation can be built ‘before the snow flies.’ “It’s been a dream of mine in the last 20-25 years to actually build one. To actually dig dirt for a hospice is overwhelming to me.
"This is a day our communities have been working toward for many years," said Binkle. "The Williamson House is more than a building. It represents our community coming together to make sure that when people face end-of-life, they and their families can get compassionate, dignified care close to home.
“I can’t thank you enough. I really appreciate all of your help and support. We’re grateful to everyone, absolutely everyone, and we will continue to work with you to bring this hospice here and open those doors.”
MPP John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, provided encouraging words.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Jordan. “The Williamson House will be an important addition to hospice palliative care in Haldimand-Norfolk, providing individuals and families with compassionate care and support close to home. I want to recognize Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, its volunteers, donors and community partners for their commitment to making this vision a reality.”
"This day would not be possible without the generous support of volunteers, partners, and our community,” Binkle added. “So many people have stepped up to become part of the story of The Williamson House in a very personal and lasting way. We are grateful for their support. This day is for them, and for every family who has a loved one facing end of life."
To learn more about The Williamson House and how you can make a difference, visit norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca or call the Hospice office at 519-410-0881.
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