Mar 02, 2018 by Johanna Weidner 

The province is contributing $2 million to build a new 10-bed hospice in north Waterloo. "This is the first time they've contributed capital dollars," said Judy Nairn, executive director of Hospice of Waterloo Region. "They really have come to recognize this is an important link in the health system." Nairn called the announcement and launch of the project on Friday a "momentous day." Hospice of Waterloo Region bought land on University Avenue across from RIM Park to build the centre — the first in Waterloo. Construction is slated to start this spring, and the hospice is expected to open in summer 2019. The total construction cost is pegged at more than $10 million, raised primarily through fundraising. "It's going to be a big task, but this is a really generous community and it's a really worthwhile cause," Nairn said. Hospice of Waterloo Region applied for the provincial capital funding. It also asked the region for $250,000, and the request was granted in the 2018 budget process. The province will also provide more than $1 million in annual operating funding for nursing and personal support services at the hospice, which is expected to provide care to an estimated 200 people and their families each year. "It will bring care to people where and when they need it," said Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile. "This is very much needed in our community, and the province is very proud to partner with you on this." YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN... trophy LIVING This Old Thing: 2014 Quinta de Cabriz Colheita Selecionada TRAVEL SIPPED: Five wines that show you’re in the know ALTAR FAITH Pope decrees slain Salvador Archbishop Romero to... Donations will still be needed to cover the remaining operating costs once the hospice is open as the province provides partial funding for bedside care. This will be the first residential facility for Hospice of Waterloo Region, which has provided programs and volunteer services to people in the community with a life-threatening illness and to their caregivers and family members for 25 years. The organization will sell its current building in Kitchener, and have space for expanded services in the new facility. More residential hospice beds are needed in the region. There are currently 16, six in Cambridge and 10 in Kitchener, and long wait lists. Nairn said Waterloo was chosen because the existing hospices are in the south part of the region. It took a year to find a suitable site in the city. The architect's design reflects the old farm buildings on the property. One part echoes the outline of a barn, and a silo-shaped section will become a family ceremony and spirituality space. The design sticks with 10 beds to keep it from becoming too large and institutional-feeling to ensure the comfort of patients and visitors. "The intent with a hospice is to keep it as homelike as possible," Nairn said. jweidner@therecord.com, Twitter: @WeidnerRecord jweidner@therecord.com , Twitter: @WeidnerRecord