Less than a year after we were notified about the planned closure of Manoire Montefiore, an upscale private kosher seniors' residence on Mackle and Cavendish in Côte Saint-Luc, comes the stunning news that the Castel Royal Retirement residence will suffer the same fate.
Residents and their families were told today by officials from Chartwell Retirement Residences that the 250-suite retirement home located at 5740 Cavendish Boulevard will cease operation effective May 3, 2017. This affects approximately 157 residents and 75 employees. It is too early to speculate what the building will be used for in the future.
"We bought this site in 2006 and continued to invest in it over the last decade in the hopes of offering high quality and respectful Jewish retirement living to the seniors of Côte Saint-Luc," wrote Karen Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, Chartwell Retirement Residences. "However, over time, and despite significant investments in capital initiatives, we have continued to be plagued by a number of major maintenance issues in this building, from ongoing plumbing and water pipe issues that frequently cause flooding and water damage, to aged ventilation, elevator and electrical systems that have frequent break-downs and that we struggle to find replacement parts for."
Ms. Sullivan said that Chartwell deeply regrets the impact of this decision to the residents, their loved ones and their staff. She said they will be working with all impacted individuals to support and assist them through this transition. Every effort will be undertaken to assist residents with their move to the retirement residence of their choice, including nearby Jewish retirement residences, and all moving details, from locating an alternate residence, to packing and unpacking as well as transportation of personal items, will be managed by a reputable seniors relocation company at no cost. Staff will also be supported with this transition with fair severance packages consistent with union agreements and years of service as well as the possibility of transfer to alternate Chartwell residences.
We appreciate the fact that Chartwell is providing this one year's notice. But it is very sad for the residents, staff and our community.