Proponents of a campus of hospice care, the Abbotsford Hospice Society, Matthew's House and Canuck Place Children's Hospice, were joined Thursday by deputy mayor Patricia Ross to sign a 99-year lease for a city-owned, two-acre site at 32766 Marshall Rd., Abbotsford.

"Signing the lease brings us one step closer to fulfilling our shared vision for the Campus of Care," said Debbie Lehmann, AHS executive director.

Abbotsford Hospice Society will build a hospice and support centre for local adult residents, Matthew's House will provide long-term respite care for children with severe chronic conditions, and Canuck Place will offer hospice services for children at their Abbotsford site.

Filomena Nalewajek, CEO of Canuck Place Children's Hospice, said the groups are thankful to the city council for recognizing the value of the project and supporting it in such a meaningful way.

"Though each of our projects will progress at a different pace, the long-term shared site plan is now confirmed and each organization is confident the campus will meet the needs of the people these facilities will serve," said Eugene Klassen, representing Matthew's House.