The opening of the West Island Palliative care Residence in October 2002 marked the realization of a dream and ambitious project undertaken by Teresa Dellar and Russell Williams in the fall of 1998. It is a nine-bed residence where terminally ill patients can spend their final days in comfort and dignity in a warm, home-like environment, close to their family, and in their community.

The opening was the culmination of the hard work of many dedicated individuals and volunteers, and also included the cooperation and support from governments at all levels, institutions, companies and organizations in the community. It involved the planning and achievement of many milestones such as procurement of land, construction, furnishing, staffing, and the development of a close affiliation with Lakeshore General Hospital.

The creation of a Board of Directors to oversee negotiations with the provincial government for long-term financing, as well as securing government approval for the “not for profit” status, determination of fundraising targets, and the establishment of relations with other palliative care and volunteer institutions were other key objectives that were realized.