The Sunshine Coast Hospice Society has the District of Sechelt's go-ahead to continue to use Kirkland House for the next three years.
The Kirkland House, located on 4602 Simpkins Road, has been used by Sunshine Coast Hospice for over a decade as office space, a place to provide hospice services to community members and to host educational events.
The hospice society asked council to amend the 2022 sublease agreement for an additional five years prior to its originally scheduled renewal.
Background
In 2007, The District of Sechelt signed a 30-year lease with the provincial government for the land and buildings known as Kirkland House. In 2011, Sechelt signed a sublease agreement with Sunshine Coast Hospice Society for a one-year term, then in 2012, a three-year agreement was established. Since 2012, the sublease agreement has continued to be renewed with minimal changes aside from the duration of the lease.
From the Council
Coun. Dianne McLauchlan asked if Gibsons and other areas provide hospice, questioning if it falls within the responsibility of municipal governance. She said she would be more supportive of a one-year lease where the district could explore other options for the property such as supporting the homeless.
Coun. Brenda Rowe provided some context for the hospice society, calling it an invaluable service. “This is a house that's used to provide a wide range of programs for patients and family, not just cancer, but any sort of end-of-life diagnosis,” Rowe said.
She added that the hospice society has a very active board and that for years the society has been trying to find a way to have a free-standing hospice that cares for patients on-site.
Coun. Donna Bell recounted some of the work she has seen done at Kirkland House and encouraged McLauchlan to go visit the hospice to see the impact it has not only on patients but on their families as well. “I am completely supportive of this incredible service and I wish that we had more to give them,” she said.
Council voted to renew the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society sublease for an additional three years, with McLauchlan opposed to the motion.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
