LAVAL – Dozens of seniors are being forced to find new homes after the Laval fire department closed Manoir Chomedey, citing safety concerns at the private residence.
“I’ve been at the City of Laval for 25 years and this is our only case where it’s gone to such extent,” said Chief of Prevention Chantal Bibeau.
The building’s fire safety plan hasn’t been up to code since 2013.
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There have been emergencies at the home before.
In October, a small fire broke out, forcing residents to evacuate.
“It’s people not knowing what to do, especially with their mobility level,” said Bibeau.
“It’s a building that’s not equipped with proper protection.”
The Laval fire department insisted it has been putting pressure for years on the building’s owner, Toronto business man Adel Kirloss, to bring the building up to code.
Stripping the residence’s certification was a last resort.
“We met him on several occasions, but to this day there has been no work that has been started,” said Bibeau.
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Fire safety rules at seniors homes came into sharp focus in 2014 when a residence burned down in lsle-Verte, killing 32 people.
The coroner put part of the blame on a lack of staff who understood proper emergency protocols.
“We’ve learned, following Isle-Verte, the critical importance of a functional fire safety plan,” said Bibeau.
“We need to have the proper fire safety equipment in a building and we need to have the fire plan work.”
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Laval’s regional health organization confirmed 36 seniors who are the most at-risk, should there be an emergency, will be moved to a new facility in June.
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The other 110 elderly residents will have to find accommodation elsewhere.
Management at Manoir Chomedey refused an interview request by Global News.