Our History
For more than 25 years, our little red brick bungalow on a quiet street in Richmond Hill, Ontario has offered comfort to residents in their final weeks of life and bereavement support to their families. Hill House Hospice is a special place filled with love, hugs, tears and laughter.
Hill House is built on a one-acre lot. In addition to the three bedrooms, it includes a fully equipped kitchen, a large living room and a dining room. The beautiful gardens and landscape are maintained by The Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society as well as the City of Richmond Hill.
The Hill Family
Hill House Hospice was the original 1950s family home where Harry D. L. Hill was raised. Many know Harry as a local businessman bringing the first Canadian Tire to Richmond Hill right across the street from his home, which was the family business for many years. The home was acquired by the Town of Richmond Hill and was utilized as the purchasing department for some years. As Richmond Hill grew, the service departments expanded and they needed more space. In 1998, the Town of Richmond Hill graciously allowed Hill House Hospice to move into the home and provide hospice services for families.
Ann Gold, Founder
The late Ann Gold took Hill House Hospice from an abstract idea to a bricks-and-mortar reality.
Working as a nurse, she was a passionate palliative care advocate. She was a pioneer who had the insight to see the need in the community. She felt that there were always people with life-limiting illnesses who required a special place because they were alone, had no caregivers or just couldn’t stay home. A home-like setting was much more preferred than a hospital.
Ann’s credibility as an activist, a community volunteer and a fundraiser, coupled with her love of people, determination and persuasive personality, allowed for the creation of the hospice. The Town leased the house in January 1998. Hill House Hospice was born from her vision of bringing residential hospice care to Richmond Hill. Former Executive Director Ann-Marie Dean, Dr. Brian Berger and many volunteers were also instrumental in that vision.