Jorge Maria
Portage du Fort Sept. 3, 2021
A long-term independent care facility, Manoir Meril, officially opened last Friday in Portage du Fort.
It becomes the second facility in the entirety of the Pontiac MRC, something politicians on hand for the ribbon-cutting were keenly aware of.
In an interview with The Equity, MNA André Fortin said places like these are critical to the community. It’s a stressful time to leave your home, “if you can find a place to stay in your community that meets your needs, that’s a full-service retirement home like this; it just alleviates the fears of a lot of people.”
With a lack of options, many seniors have been forced to relocate to facilities outside of the Pontiac, leaving behind friends and family and moving to a community they are completely unfamiliar with.
A third facility that will house 50 individuals is planned for Shawville but is still only in the planning and architectural stages.
“The current Quebec government is looking at increasing the number of long-term living spaces; they’re different than these types of establishments,” Fortin said.
The Manoir Meril is a privately held facility that houses up to eight people at a time. “Having private businesses step in and take this opportunity to address the needs of the citizens a great thing for our community,” Fortin said.
Portage du Fort Mayor Lynne Cameron was on hand to welcome the residence to the community. The facility will also mean jobs for the community. “Because everything is done here, there will be attendants to take care of cleaning, cooking, dishes — whatever a resident needs,” Cameron said.
