The historic Victorian home that serves as the St. Joseph's Hospice's Resource Centre is getting a major facelift.
Plans were unveiled during a recent media conference.
The building, located on Christina Street in Sarnia, was first constructed in 1888, purchased by the Gordon family in 1953 and donated to the hospice in 2006.
It's known as one of Sarnia's most cherished historic homes which has played an extraordinary role in the lives of countless families.
Located in front of the ten-bed residence, the building is home to grief and bereavement programs for children, youth, adults, and families, as well as volunteer services, caregiver support, wellness programs, and community education.
Sarnia-based Cheshire Roofing is leading the exterior restoration.
Owner and Heritage Restoration Contractor Steven Cheshire outlined some of the necessary work.
"We're replacing the cedar shake siding around the exterior (with a vinyl composite material), carefully protecting any wooden freeze boards and capping with aluminum," said Cheshire. "We're also taking a good look at the decorative and ornamental artifacts on the gable ends and also any decorative trims to see whether they can be repaired, restored, or have to be refabricated. We are also doing the roofing structure of the original area. There are areas that we can't really foresee how long some things are going to take that might come up. But given my experience in this kind of area I would expect with proper planning it can go fairly smooth."
Cheshire said the roof is going to be replaced with a product called EnviroShake made in Dresden, Ontario.
They discounted the product to help out, and it's under warranty for 50 years.
He noted there are special precautions to take when dealing with such an old building.
"We really need to protect some of those ornamental decorations," he said. "Some of the old window frames and things like that, we need to protect them from falling debris. Also, given this space this structure is in we need to keep everything contained very well. So one section being completed and moving along to the next as we go around. There will be no returning back to areas to restart so that we can open up access to the structure as we move along to minimize the effect it has on hospice operations here."
St. Joseph's Hospice Executive Director Kelly Chartrand said the $280,000 project has been three years in the planning stages.
It's expected to wrap up in March 2027, and will be paid for through the hospice's emergency maintenance fund.
"There's so much history here, history beyond what we know," said Chartrand. "We know the history going back to when the Gordon family purchased this home. That's beyond what the historic society can find for us. We have a gap. There's a gap missing there. So we really want to honour the home."
Chartrand is calling on the community for some help.
"If you or your family, anybody you know may have photos or stories attached to this property we would be so happy to have those to help build the history in this documentary to preserve," she said. "If you have original photos we are happy to take scans and return the originals back to you to help us build the story. As much as we want to preserve the beautiful building we also want to preserve the story, as I mentioned. The people who lived here over the years the memories created here and the stories that might have otherwise been lost."
Chartrand said their fundraising priority remains supporting the $2.4 million required each year to ensure hospice programs and services continue to be provided at no cost to individuals and families.
Damon Bennett will be on hand to provide his knowledge and expertise.
He's known for his decade working with Mike Holmes on the hit TV show Holmes on Homes.
"Great homes tell great stories, and this one has an extraordinary story to tell. Preserving the craftsmanship and character of this building also means preserving the history, generosity, and compassion that have shaped it over the years. The passion and care being poured into restoring this beautiful home is not only giving it new life but also giving all of us peace of mind knowing it will continue to give back for generations to come, providing comfort and support to those who need it most. I'm honoured to help share that story," said Bennett.
The entire project will be documented in a movie made by award-winning filmmaker and Sarnia Lambton native Aaron Huggett, who is doing the work on a pro bono basis.
He's working alongside the Sarnia Historical Society and Sarnia Heritage Committee.
Huggett said a conversation with his wife helped him decide that making the film was the right decision.
"She asked me if I remember when her mom was here having end-of-life care and the difference that that made for the family," said Huggett. "Hospital staff do their best but it's a very clinical environment. It's a very different thing than the care that's provided here. With compassion and dignity and patience and similar values to, I think, probably what we would have and want for our loved ones. That's something that I could connect with."
Huggett has also expressed interest in potentially developing the project into a short-film documentary for submission to Canadian film festivals, creating an opportunity to extend the reach of St. Joseph's Hospice's story well beyond Lambton County at no cost to the organization.
The completed documentary will be shared throughout the community, featured at community events, and presented at the Ontario Heritage Conference in June 2027.
