(Dundas, Canada) - Kemp Care Network says $17.7 million has been raised toward the $25-million campaign for Keaton’s House, as the planned children’s hospice moves into its next construction phase.

The organization marked the milestone with project partners and community supporters at the Dundas site on October 27. Its reported total leaves $7.3 million to reach the campaign target.

Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta Children’s Hospice is planned for 41 South Street West. Kemp Care describes a 10-bed facility serving Hamilton and the wider south-central Ontario region, with respite, symptom management, end-of-life care and support for grieving families.

The opening is expected in fall 2027. Construction and fundraising remain underway; the hospice is not yet welcoming patients.

According to the project’s October construction update, crews are excavating, installing site services and building temporary road access. That phase is expected to continue into November. Foundation work and geothermal drilling are to follow, extending into the new year if weather and site conditions permit.

Neighbours can expect periods of equipment noise and vibration. Kemp Care says dust suppression remains in place and trades will be directed to park off-site to reduce pressure on nearby streets and access routes. Regular work hours are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with any work outside those hours subject to Hamilton’s noise bylaw.

Sources: Kemp Care Network campaign and October 27 milestone; current construction update.

Editorial illustration of the hospice-building project; not a depiction of the actual design or construction site.