The evacuation of the Le Brunois retirement home in Saint-Bruno, Lac-Saint-Jean, last October was urgent because the condition of the building threatened the safety of the residents.
In accordance with the Access to Information Law, TVA Nouvelles obtained correspondence between the parties involved in the days before the elderly were moved from the permanently closed residence.
The photos sent to TVA Nouvelles by the health authorities clearly show the deterioration of the RPA.
In October, the surviving documents mentioned that there was, among other things, rot on the underside of the walls and visible deformation on the floor of the first floor.
The CIUSSS will request the opinion of a structural consultant on October 26, 2023. In an email exchange we can read:
“I just need to know if we can stay put for another two weeks or so.”
The consultant's answer is clear. “I believe the building should be evacuated as quickly as possible […] The rail near the ground is damaged to varying degrees (100% to 20%). […] several amounts […] completely disappeared due to rot. Traces of rot inside.”
The 24 residents were evacuated the next day, October 27th.
According to available documents, the regional health administration has been dealing with the situation for at least two weeks. In a letter addressed to the manager on October 12, the CIUSSS points to “difficulties that seriously affect the quality of services”. [et des] Practices that could endanger human health or safety […]. It is clear that the requested corrections have not been made.”
Even before the consultant's final opinion, the CIUSSS receives a building permit for temporary renovation work from the municipality of Saint-Bruno.
But on the morning of the evacuation, health authorities informed the dormitory by registered mail.
“Advanced rot in the walls […] several posts in the frame […] strong affected […] visible deformations on the ground floor floors; […] no vapor barrier on the outside […] There is a risk of shear failure of a group of beams in the first floor floor.”
Managers are also asked to submit a “detailed work plan” no later than November 26th […] to make the building safe [et] a detailed work plan drawn up and signed by the contractor.
On Wednesday, employees transported furniture from the Le Brunois residence. The operator's spouse confirmed that he never submitted plans for the renovation. The costs would simply have been too high. He confirmed that the contract to operate the residence was terminated earlier this week.
“The residence will permanently cease its activities on December 23,” the CIUSSS said via email.
Thirteen residents now live in the Maison des Aînés d'Alma, while the others live with their families.