Trudel Corporation unveiled a new initiative Wednesday at the Fleur de Lys mall that will provide dedicated parking for veterans at six of the company’s locations.
• Also read: More than 1000 butterflies to see in the Galeries de la Capitale
A total of 60 exhibition spaces will be available at the Fleur de Lys, Place des Quatre-Bourgeois, Galeries Charlesbourg, Promenades de Lévis, Carrefour St-David and Place Centre-Ville sites in Saint-Georges.
The movement to offer reserved—or even free—parking to veterans is already popular in the United States and English Canada, and is gaining momentum in Quebec.
There are other private initiatives of this type, but according to Pierre Dugal of the Association of Veterans of the Royal 22e Régiment, Trudel Corporation’s is the most important in Quebec.
“This gesture symbolizes the duty of remembrance and commemoration beyond Remembrance Day,” says Mr. Dugal, grateful for the gesture from the company, which contacted its association before proceeding.
With kind approval
Trudel Corporation has several veterans posing with their medals: Jonathan Filteau General Manager, Ghislain Paquette, Operations Supervisor, Jonathan Trudel, Vice President, William Trudel, President, and Steve Baker, Assistant Operations Manager.
A necessity
“They are easily accessible and located within parking areas for people with mobility challenges and families,” said William Trudel, President of Trudel Corporation.
Veterans associations have also pointed out to him that these rooms are a real need for veterans of advanced age.
“It makes us very happy when we, as corporate citizens, can participate in the well-being of veterans who continue on with their lives after service,” says Trudel.
The company has “more than a dozen employees who are veterans,” explains Mr. Trudel, who himself has worked abroad.
“I have spent more than four years conducting operational missions abroad, including peacekeeping in Haiti for the Quebec police and the Canadian government under the aegis of the RCMP,” said the man who “proudly wears his medals.
Mr. Trudel clarified that veteran status is not reserved for ex-military personnel, but also applies to organizations such as the RCMP, Correctional Service Canada, or police officers serving abroad on behalf of the federal government.
Cities step in
A dozen communities in Quebec are currently allowing veterans to park their cars for free.
Incoming Quebec Mayor Bruno Marchand promised during his campaign last October that he would offer free parking in several places during his first year in office.
“The city is exploring the possibility of offering free parking to veterans. However, there is still no final decision and timeline, analytical work is continuing,” replied Wendy Whittom of the City of Quebec Communications Department today.
Easy to spot
The rooms proposed by the Trudel Corporation are identified by a sign and painted in red and white with a poppy, the symbol of the memorial day.
“We have looked at what is being done elsewhere and consulted veterans’ associations. The poppy is a very clear symbol among the populace, identifying them with people who have served. Motorists will easily spot it,” said Mr. Trudel.
The latter recalled that the Fleur de Lys shopping center remains open despite the major works taking place there.
Mandatory sign
In order to be able to use the space offered by the Trudel Group, however, the veteran vehicle must be registered with the SAAQ veteran license plate. Communities with similar programs have the same requirement.
There are approximately 30,000 license plate holders in Quebec, including 6,444 in the Capitale-Nationale region.
“This is the most beautiful plaque in Canada. The only one with a French name in North America,” declared Pierre Dugal proudly.
Do you have any information about this story that you would like to share with us?
Do you have a scoop that might be of interest to our readers?