Our Story: 145 Years of Compassionate Care and 47 Years of Giving
Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton in 1879, St. Joseph’s Villa began as the House of Providence; a place of refuge for the elderly and those in need. To fund its early work, the Sisters hosted the House of Providence Annual Picnic, an event that became a Dundas tradition for more than 90 years and a symbol of the community’s generosity.
In 1970, the House of Providence was replaced with a modern facility and renamed St. Joseph’s Villa.
In 1978, the St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation was incorporated to raise funds in support of resident care, capital needs, and staff education with a mission of continuing the Sisters’ legacy of compassion and community.
Caring for Generations
Today, St. Joseph’s Villa is one of Ontario’s largest and most innovative long-term care homes, with 425 residents and a vibrant network of programs that serve thousands more across Dundas and surrounding communities. A proud member of the St. Joseph’s Health System, the Villa is nationally recognized for excellence and compassion, consistently earning the highest accreditation rankings from Accreditation Canada and CARF/CCAC.
What makes St. Joseph’s Villa unique is its continuum of care—a community hub where long-term care meets wellness, independence, and outreach. Each month, more than 1,400 seniors engage in programs designed to enhance health, connection, and well-being:
- Adult Day Centre – providing social engagement and therapeutic activities, including specialized Alzheimer’s programming.
- Seniors in Motion (SIM) Gym – a fully equipped fitness centre with personalized support for adults 55+.
- Respite Care – supporting family caregivers and providing essential short-term stays.
- Community Clinics – offering foot care, eye care, audiology, massage, wound care, and more.
- Snoezelen Room – a donor-funded sensory environment to comfort residents with cognitive challenges.
- Convalescent Care Unit – providing transitional rehabilitation for patients returning home from hospital.
- St. John Vianney Residence – eight suites for retired diocesan priests.
- St. Joseph’s Estates – independent living for seniors with access to Villa amenities.
A New Chapter: Margaret’s Place Hospice
In 2021, the Villa opened Margaret’s Place Hospice—an 11-bed residential hospice (nine permanent and two respite beds) providing compassionate end-of-life care, grief and bereavement supports, and community outreach at no cost.
This milestone was made possible through the community’s generosity and a $13.5 million Gift of Love Campaign, led by the Foundation. Today, donor support continues to sustain hospice care, with a commitment to disburse $1.2 million in 2025–2026 for ongoing operations and care enhancements.
A Tradition of Giving
For 47 years, the Foundation has worked hand-in-hand with donors, families, and partners to ensure that the Villa remains a place of safety, comfort, and dignity. Through every change in health care, the Foundation has helped fund vital equipment, technology, and renovations—always focused on improving the lives of residents and families.
From its beginnings in 1879 to the vibrant Campus of Care it is today, St. Joseph’s Villa remains a living expression of the Sisters’ mission: compassionate service, community partnership, and care for all.
The magic still happens when we bring opportunities, caring people, and donors together.
For more information, please contact foundation@sjv.on.ca
