“I’m imprisoned at home”: Tenants for people 55 and older who have lost an elevator for 8 months

The building of the Office Municipal d’Habitation has lost its only elevator for 8 months and the situation is causing great distress to its residents in Quebec.

The situation has been ongoing since August 8 at Domaine Beausejour, which is reserved for people aged 55 and over.

Important things have to be done. On the other hand, difficulties with drilling under the elevator pushed the building’s management to review its plans. The replacement period has now been extended until next July, when the elevator will be available again.

Management has taken steps to help tenants, especially grocery haulers, by making people available at specific times of the day.

Despite everything, the situation is difficult for tenants.

“We are doing what we have to do to deliver the lift. This is a really undesirable situation. We still have CIUSSS help,” explained Danny Caron, Director General of OMHQ-SOMHAC.

For residents, discomfort varies from person to person.

“The other day a woman had to leave in an ambulance and she was on the fifth floor. They were in trouble, they had to look for his hands on the way down. There were many people who couldn’t get out because they were so high,” said a woman living in the building.

“It is difficult for me to climb stairs once. I can’t leave my house to eat because it takes 10, 15, 20 minutes for me to recover. It’s like I’m in prison at home. I am no longer free to go out and enter as I please,” said the resident.

Financial compensation of $500 per tenant is provided by management. It also promised not to increase the rent amount in July.