Home | Contacts | Classifieds | Archives | Media Kit | Email Us |
The groundbreaking ceremony for new complex, Terrasse Bouthillier, took place the morning of Thursday November 6. With a host of local politicians and project organizers present, the Office municipal d’habitation (OMH) Rosemère expansion project officially became a reality.
“This is an historic event for our town. It took years of hard work from a very big team,” said Mayor Hélène Daneault, present at the groundbreaking. Recently elected municipal councillor and president of the OMH administrative council, Madeleine Leduc, was also present. “I am very pleased to see this dream realized today. We are responding to a real need within our community,” she stated.
Expansion details
Situated on Bouthillier boulevard, the expansion will create thirty new subsidized and non-subsidized lodging for seniors over the age of 65. The 3 ½ and 4 ½ apartments will consist of a kitchen, sitting room, one or two bedrooms, storage space and a balcony. In addition to the new apartments, a cafeteria, lounge area, laundry room and dining room will be constructed for new and existing residents. “Our goal is to create a social yet autonomous environment for seniors so they can live with dignity,” said OMH Rosemère general director, Andrée Guilbeault. She received applause for her work in helping to bring the project to life, when introduced by Mayor Daneault.
The project is two years in the making and combined the efforts of several organizations and financial partners. The Société d’habitation du Quebec (SHQ) contributed over $1.79 million through its Accès logis program, which focuses on social lodging and services for those over 75 years old. That helped secure a $1.79 million loan from the Caisses Desjardins Thérèse-De Blainville making an approximate total of $3.6 million. Hydro-Quebec, through its Novo climat program, invested $61 710 into the project. The total cost of the expansion is evaluated at $4.19 million.
OMH role
For over thirty years, the OMH Rosemère has been helping to provide lodging for seniors over the age 65 with an income below $24 000. Unable to respond to a growing waiting list, the OMH had no choice but to construct a plan for more spaces. Leduc has been actively involved with the project, from its onset, in 2005. “This project will help the OMH reach its objectives. In 2009, we will be welcoming new residents and offering additional complimentary services to existing ones,” said Leduc.
Construction of Terrasse Bouthillier is set to be complete in spring 2009. For subsidized lodging, or those with annual revenue of $24 000 or less, rent will be 25% of the occupant’s monthly revenue. Also, one or two of the spaces will be reserved for handicap individuals. Rent for non-subsidized lodging, or those with an annual income exceeding $24 000, will be determined. “There is already a waiting list for the new apartments,” said Guilbeault. For the security and accessibility of residents, an elevator, alarm system, sprinklers and a call button in each room will be installed. “This is a project for our senior citizens and will help us better address their needs,” said Daneault.
To obtain lodging, couples or individuals can sign up for the waiting list by completing an official request, which can be obtained though the OMH or city hall. For more information, call OMH Rosemère at (450)437-1212.
BACK