The parent house of the Servantes de Notre-Dame, Reine du Clergé de Lac-au-Saumon, which was put up for sale in 2018, has finally found a buyer. The monastery will become both a private senior residence (RPA) and an intermediate facility (RI), to the great joy of the religious community, which desired such an outcome for its construction.
“Patience always pays off,” said Sister Odette Cormier, the congregation’s superior general, from the outset, emphasizing that the building’s new calling is in line with the nuns’ values.
It was the owner of the Oasis des Pionniers de Baie-Comeau, Éric Thibeault, also a former monastery converted into an RPA, who bought the building along with other businessmen.
“There will be 99 places in RPA and 60 in RI. […] This is a major project, but we are not in the dark.[…] We know that the population really needs it, it is aging and needs quality healthcare,” emphasized Mr. Thibeault, president and co-owner of Domaine Lac au Saumon.
The four-story monastery overlooking the community of Lac-au-Saumon is currently being updated to meet demands: sprinkler systems need to be installed, the telecommunications system needs to be upgraded, the water supply needs to be renewed, and drinking water also requires work.
The upgrade will cost several million dollars and take 3 to 4 years, but the residence will be operational during the work.
“We already have people who have signed leases and will be returning on December 1st, others are in the validation process to find out whether they will come to us or not. We have learned that other residence halls in the area are closing, which is unfortunate for them [résidences]“But the good news is that at this point we already have spaces available,” emphasized Guy Degrace, vice president and co-owner of Domaine Lac au Saumon.
The architectural integrity of the listed building will be preserved and certain rooms such as the chapel will not be altered.
Sisters like to stay
The 19 sisters of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Notre-Dame, Queen of the Clergy, whose average age is 86 years, still live in this building. During the pandemic, plans were made for them to move to a residence in Rimouski, but the project never materialized. The recent sale of the building and its new purpose therefore ensure that they will spend their retirement years there.
“It’s very reassuring for us, it gives us a lot of security because these are beloved places. Some have been there from the beginning. It means a lot to us to know we are in good hands,” said Sister Odette Cormier.
For the MP for Matane-Matapédia, Pascal Bérubé, the transformation of this building is excellent news for the entire region.
“It solves several challenges we faced: what we wanted to do with this historic building, what we wanted to do with this important community in Matapedia, what we wanted to do to house our seniors. “The three problems will be solved at the same time,” the MP explained.
Around 70 people will work there in the future, making the company one of the largest employers in the region.
The amount of the transaction was not disclosed, but the asking price on various real estate sites was $1.5 million.