A centre offering hospice care in Ottawa’s east end is closing after two years of serving the city’s francophone community. Hospice Care Ottawa operates the eight-suite residential centre at Maison de l’Est on LeBoutillier Avenue. In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, Hospice Care Ottawa says it has made the decision to close Maison de l’Est due to financial reasons. “Maison de l’Est was opened with an unusual model for hospice, as it is located in rented space,” the charity said in an email. “The decision to open in rented space meant we could more quickly fill the demand for a dedicated francophone hospice than would have been possible if we had embarked on a capital and operational fundraising campaign to build a brand-new hospice – a process that can take many years.” Maison de l’Est opened in July 2024 and has provided nearly 360 francophone residents with end-of-life care, the charity said in an email to residents on Tuesday. The charity says it believed it could fill the funding gap through additional fundraising, but growing costs and efforts to raise money were unsuccessful. “Our goal will be to do all possible to avoid the disruption and inconvenience to the resident and family associated with a transfer to another of our sites. We will do all possible to ensure that every resident and family receives compassionate, respectful and individualized care throughout their stay,” the charity said. The hospice suites will close by Oct. 31. The charity says residents still there may be moved to its two other locations in Kanata and Old Ottawa South. Community-based programs will remain in operation, but in-person services will move to its May Court location. “Our commitment to our francophone community has not changed. While we are losing a dedicated residence, we remain committed to ensuring francophone residents and families continue to receive compassionate, high-quality hospice support through all our free community and residence programs,” said Lynne Toupin, chair of the board of directors for Hospice Care Ottawa in the letter to residents. “We will continue to explore opportunities with partners to make a sustainable francophone hospice a reality in the years ahead.”
