Dorothy Ley Hospice completes outdoor revitalization, creating a space of comfort and connection
Published: October 14, 2025
This fall, Dorothy Ley Hospice proudly completed Phase 2 of our Revitalization Project, bringing new life to our outdoor spaces and creating a welcoming, calming, and peaceful retreat for everyone who visits.
This fall, Dorothy Ley Hospice proudly completed Phase 2 of our Revitalization Project, bringing new life to our outdoor spaces and creating a welcoming, calming, and peaceful retreat for everyone who visits.
Building on the success of Phase 1, which expanded and enhanced our residence space in spring 2024, this next stage focused on connecting people with nature.
Our patio area has long been an extension of our care suites – a space where Social Connections participants, residents, families, and friends gather for visits, celebrations, and moments of quiet reflection. It has hosted countless birthday gatherings, family lunches, and even wedding ceremonies. Over the years, however, time and weather had taken their toll.
The revitalization included the resurfacing and expansion of our patio, providing families and residents with more room to gather and connect. Our pergola received a beautiful revarnish, and a new privacy fence now creates a peaceful sense of seclusion. Throughout the garden, native and pollinator-friendly plants have been added alongside newly planted trees, enriching the landscape and supporting local biodiversity. New outlets allowed hospice beds to be wheeled outside and operate fully, and outdoor architectural lighting has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the garden areas. We will continue to improve the experience with the addition of new seating and spring bulbs.
A particularly meaningful addition is a tree planted in memory of Jennie Cansfield, daughter of our Board Chair, Donna Cansfield. Jennie received support from the Hospice team, and this tree, accompanied by an engraved stone generously provided by Canadian Trees for Life, serves as a lasting tribute to her memory.
We’re grateful for the hands-on support of Hospice volunteers and Green Cities Foundation volunteers, who helped plant many of the new garden additions. Their care and enthusiasm brought the revitalized space to life and reflect the spirit of our hospice community.
We are deeply thankful to all who made this possible: the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Markland Wood Golf & Country Club and its members and team captains, Canadian Trees for Life, Green Cities Foundation, Landscape Ontario (Toronto Chapter), and many of their Board members who donated their own time to the project. Their generosity and partnership have ensured our outdoor spaces continue to be a sanctuary of comfort, reflection, and connection.
Thanks to these contributions, Dorothy Ley Hospice now offers an outdoor environment where care extends beyond our walls – a place where families, residents, and staff can find moments of renewal, peace, and togetherness in nature.
View our full photo album on our Facebook page.