“We are completing the finishing work with a view to delivering the MDA to the CIUSSS in the coming weeks,” explains Anne-Marie Gagnon, communications and media relations advisor at the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI), who oversees the project. However, we are not moving forward on a delivery date.
Of course, there was the work accident that left five people injured last February when a scaffolding collapsed on the construction site located at the corner of Notre-Dame and Fusey streets in the Cap-de-la sector. -Madeleine. Obviously, with the investigation by the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) which followed, certain delays were to be expected, but that’s not all.
“Generally speaking, the context of overheating of the market, as well as difficulties in supplying certain materials or pieces of equipment are putting pressure on delivery times. More specifically, during the final checks, which are part of the normal procedures before delivery, certain adjustments had to be made to the systems and equipment.
— Anne-Marie Gagnon, communications and media relations advisor at the SQI
Remember that the total bill for this 96-seat residence increased from $64.6 million at the first shoveling of the ground, to $93.8 million. Originally, the Quebec government planned a budget of 58 million, but this quickly had to be increased following two rounds of calls for tenders where the prices were well beyond the calculations made by officials .
Difficult to get answers
It seems that the Trois-Rivières Seniors’ Home file is a kind of hot potato that no government agency wants to inherit. Indeed, steps were taken as part of this report in order to have more details on the expected deadlines, but without much success.
The building of the Trois-Rivières Seniors’ House. (Stéphane Lessard/Le Nouvelliste)
On the side of the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec (CIUSSS MCQ), we recall that the building “is in the hands of the SQI” and that “the work is continue”.
“The opening will take place in the weeks following delivery of the building due to the preparation of premises and staff in preparation for welcoming the first residents.”
— Kellie Forand, information officer at CIUSSS MCQ
It was also impossible to obtain comments from the MP for Champlain, Sonia LeBel. Although the Seniors’ Center will be located in his constituency, its staff directs us instead to the office of the Minister responsible for Seniors, Sonia Bélanger.
“As the Trois-Rivières seniors’ home has not yet been delivered, I would refer you to the SQI. As we are on the Health side, we take care of the care and services side, so as soon as the MDA is delivered and the establishments take possession of it, it comes under our responsibility,” responds Léa Fortin, the press officer of Minister Bélanger.
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