THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2022 We believe in endless possibilities. Learn more. Get involved. www.deafblindontario.com Sponsored by Long-awaited residential hospices in Clarington and Whitby will be delayed by pandemic-related increases to construction costs. "We're hugely disappointed but we're not daunted. We are simply dealing with the realities," said Melodie Zarzeczny, chair of Durham Region Hospice -- Clarington. Durham Region Hospice -- Clarington and Whitby went to tender for one hospice in Clarington (nine beds) and one in Whitby (10 beds). With COVID-19 construction costs, the bids brought "sticker shock" and "disappointment." Bids for the Whitby hospice came in $3 million more than expected for the project. "When we got the results, boy, oh boy, sticker shock," said Eva Reti, chair of Durham Region Hospice -- Whitby. Bids for Clarington hospice came in approximately 40 per cent higher -- $2.9 million more -- than the build budget. "That was a big disappointment and a higher challenge for us," said Zarzeczny. "We were taken aback and challenged." For years, Durham Region 'STICKER SHOCK': HOSPICES DELAYED BY COVID CONSTRUCTION COSTS See 'WE'RE', page 4 JENNIFER O'MEARA jomeara@durhamregion.com An artist rendering of the 10-bed residential hospice planned for Whitby. Durham Region Hospice image FESTIVAL DAYS, PATIO NIGHTS, TRAILS, BEACHES, THEATRE AND MUSIC YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN YOUR GUIDE TO DURHAMREGION.COM