COVID-19 doesn’t hinder construction of new hospice

DAN CEARNS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

SCUGOG: Construction in Port Perry of Oak Ridges Hospice of Durham, recently named the Morgan and Sidhu House, is continuing through this pandemic situation. “Despite extensive restrictions imposed on business activities, as a result of the pandemic, construction of Morgan and Sidhu House is permitted to continue, since hospices are considered to be part of the province’s essential health care infrastructure,” read a recent Oak Ridges Hospice newsletter. The hospice is set to be located near the Immaculate Conception Church in Port Perry, at the former site of the Immaculate Conception Catholic school. The newsletter assured people “the construction team is adhering to Ministry of Health recommendations to keep workers safe through social distancing and providing additional on-site hygiene stations” and “project meetings are [being] conducted through virtual means.” The project broke ground in late 2019, and is being funded as an eight bed hospice. “Throughout the first quarter of 2020, the site bustled with activity, while crews braved the winter chill, to complete site excavation, pouring of the building foundation and installation of underground plumbing,” the newsletter stated. “Next steps include back-filling the site, pouring of the concrete slab and commencement of the framework.” Project officials are hopeful they will be able to open the hospice early next year.