The Manoir Meril aims to be a senior’s independent living facility where residents can come and go on their own terms, but also not have to worry about chores such as laundry and preparing meals, which will be handled by staff.

“There’s such a need for senior independent living,” said Pierre Jolicouer, the owner of Manoir Meril. “We don’t have enough places to supply all of the Pontiac.”

Jolicouer explained that the building needed lots of work. The building is currently owned by Nicole and Edward Thompson and leased to Jolicouer, but the previous owner had let it sit untouched for over 10 years. Despite this, Jolicouer had high hopes for what it could be.

“There was great potential in this building,” he said.

Now, after months of renovations, the Manoir Meril has brand new bathrooms, flooring, ceilings and more. Each side of the building is equipped with a new air conditioner and furnace, which serve the four rooms on either side of the building. The building even has its own generator in case something goes wrong.

“We hope people will be happy here, and happy as a family,” said Jolicoeur. He explained that he hopes residents will be close with one another and feel as if they’re on holidays.

To aid in this, the facility will also have activities, such as bingo, music, a fitness room and more. Residents will even be able to read Jolicouer’s own poetry, which he published under the name Bajatell.

Jolicouer is no stranger to running retirement homes. Before his retirement, he owned three retirement homes which he later sold. He explained that building his fourth retirement home, which was named for his father Meril, felt much the same as it was when he started out.

“It brings back a lot of memories, but they’re all happy memories,” said Jolicouer.

The Manoir Meril is set to open Sept. 1 and will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 20.

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