Mississauga's First Hospice: A Community Triumph Breaks Ground

MISSISSAUGA, ON – January 12, 2026 – With the rumble of bulldozers preparing the soil at 2176 Speakman Drive, a long-held dream for Canada’s seventh-largest city has finally broken ground. Construction is officially underway for The Welton Centre for Hospice Palliative Care, Mississauga's first-ever dedicated residential hospice. The milestone marks a pivotal moment for a community that has, until now, held the distinction of being the largest city in the country without such a facility.

Slated to open in the winter of 2027, the centre is the culmination of years of advocacy, strategic partnerships, and profound community generosity. The facility will feature 12 specialized care suites designed to provide a serene, home-like environment for individuals nearing the end of life. It will also serve as the new, permanent hub for Hospice Mississauga's extensive community programs, which already support over 7,500 people annually with counselling, grief support, and caregiver services.

"This is a generational achievement made possible by extraordinary community generosity and strong partnerships," said Kitrina Fex, CEO of Hospice Mississauga. "The Welton Centre for Hospice Palliative Care will enhance access and create a lasting home where people can be cared for with comfort and dignity, and where families are supported with compassion and confidence in the care journey."

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Gap

The need for The Welton Centre is not just symbolic; it addresses a stark and growing healthcare deficit in the Peel Region. With a population of over 720,000, Mississauga has grappled with a significant shortage of palliative care options outside of a hospital setting. This gap has placed immense pressure on acute care beds at hospitals like those managed by Trillium Health Partners (THP), where patients in their final days often occupy spaces not designed for the unique needs of end-of-life care.

According to regional health data, the demand is escalating. The senior population in the area served by THP is projected to triple by 2031, compounding existing strains on the system. Mississauga already has 20% fewer long-term care beds per capita than the provincial average, with wait times for placement being significantly longer. For families navigating the complexities of a life-limiting illness, the lack of a residential hospice has meant fewer choices and more stressful transitions during an already difficult time.

Once operational, the 12-bed Welton Centre will more than double the number of residential hospice beds in the immediate region, offering a crucial alternative that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and holistic support. Palliative care experts emphasize that a hospice environment focuses not just on medical needs but also on the emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of both the patient and their family.

The Financial Architecture of Compassion

Bringing a project of this magnitude to life required a complex and resilient financial strategy, estimated to cost between $25 and $33 million. The funding model is a testament to a powerful public-private collaboration, weaving together support from provincial and municipal governments with substantial community philanthropy.

The Government of Ontario has played a key role, committing a capital investment of up to $3 million for construction and promising annual operational funding once the centre opens. This support is part of a broader provincial initiative to add 84 new adult hospice beds across Ontario. "Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing in the first hospice centre in Mississauga," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We are proud to support the growing needs of Peel Region... which will help patients, and their loved ones connect to comfortable and dignified end-of-life care, close to home."

However, it was the City of Mississauga's decisive financial intervention that proved critical. After Hospice Mississauga faced challenges securing loans from traditional financial institutions, the city council unanimously approved a loan of up to $16.25 million at its preferred interest rate. This backing, secured against the project, provided the financial stability needed to move forward. The City also contributed a $1 million grant and waived development charges. "Our City is proud to support Hospice Mississauga with a city-backed loan guarantee," stated Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish. "This is a shining example of community-based care provided when and where it is needed most."

The final, essential piece of the puzzle was community fundraising, led by the John and Joan Welton Foundation. Their lead donation to the 'Building Compassion' campaign was so significant that the centre now bears their name. "We are excited to be a major part of bringing this dream to reality for our community," said Dan Welton, Director of the foundation.

A Blueprint for Integrated Health

The Welton Centre's strategic location on the Trillium Health Partners Speakman Campus of Care is no coincidence. It is a core element of a visionary plan to build a more connected and seamless healthcare system in Mississauga. This partnership between Hospice Mississauga and THP is designed to ensure smooth transitions for patients moving from hospital to hospice care, alleviating pressure on the hospital system while improving the patient experience.

"This milestone is a testament to the vision of Hospice Mississauga and the strength of partnership," said Karli Farrow, President and CEO of Trillium Health Partners. "Together, we are building a connected health system that supports people at every stage of life, especially during those final moments when comfort and support are needed most."

The hospice is a cornerstone of the developing Seniors' Campus of Care on the Speakman site, which will also include new long-term care homes, a health services building, and a dialysis centre. This integrated model is designed to proactively meet the needs of the region's rapidly aging population, providing a spectrum of care services in one location.

With construction managed by EBC, a firm with extensive experience in building healthcare facilities, the project is on a firm footing. As the structure begins to rise, it stands as a powerful symbol of what a community can achieve when it unites around a shared vision of compassion and dignity for all its residents.