‘An absolutely perfect and pristine setting for us’: Proposed hospice supporters want town to permit construction in rural Strathroy-Caradoc

Strathroy Hospice officials are looking for assistance from the municipality to help with the development of the facility. CTV’s Sean Irvine.

The backers of a proposed five-bed hospice for Strathroy-Caradoc face a big test this coming Monday.

The board of directors of the Strathroy Hospice will appear before the town council, hopeful that a zoning amendment clears the way for a site on Walkers Road, southwest of Strathroy.

The farm property features trees and a pond and is described as the ideal setting for a “desperately needed” end-of-life facility.

“It’s a beautiful spot where people can go and walk out in nature and have the last moments of their life with their loved ones, in a setting that is close to perfect, when you think about what you would want,” said Board Chair Dr. Tyler Damen.

But the zoning of the donated land will need to be altered first. The board wants the town to redesignate it as institutional.

If that happens, Damen says the next stage will begin.

“Once the land is approved that we can build it on, then that’s when we’ll build the excitement that we can bring people out to the site and show them what we want to build and what their money would go towards,” he said.

A capital fundraising campaign began more than a year ago, with no promises of an opening date.

In just over a year, $1.3 million has been raised, but it will take $5 million before any ground can be broken.

If the site is approved, fundraising and a push for provincial funding will accelerate.

A new marketing campaign will include conceptual drawings. CTV News was granted early access to exterior views.

The hospice is designed to accommodate five residents and their families, with room to expand.

Damen hopes construction won’t be far off.

“We got an 18-month build if everything else goes smoothly,” Damen explained. “So, like, perfect scenario two to two and a half years.”

It can’t come soon enough for residents looking for end-of-life comfort.

At present, Damen says they can only hope to get access to facilities in St. Thomas, Exeter, Sarnia, or Chatham.

“We’ve had people in our community who have had to go all the way to Waterloo,” he added.

While a back-up site in Strathroy is available if the town denies the application, the hospice board of directors is determined to build in the rural setting, for its affordability and tranquil atmosphere.

“It would be an absolutely perfect and pristine setting for us,” he said.