Community centre closure a blessing in disguise

RELOCATION The Elizabeth Russell Centre on Dawson Avenue has been on the chopping block for over a year now, but it’s no surprise to the four organisations that have called the building home for over 20 years. The former Dorval United Church has been a part of the community for decades, but crumbling infrastructure has left the building beyond repair. Closure is inevitable.

“We’ve been holding it together with band-aids for years but the building is old,” said Mayor Edgar Rouleau. The closure date is not set, though it will only happen once the groups are adequately relocated. Public Works estimates the building is unsalvageable and will likely be demolished once vacant, the mayor explained.

Cracks in the building, mold, a leaky roof and poor insulation have left the occupants with poor air circulation and freezing winters.

“It’s not worth maintaining. There’s been enough floods and water damage. You can tell there’s years of Mother Nature invading,” said Ginette Gagné, administrator at the Arthritis West Island Self Help Association (AWISH), that had been in the building for over 25 years and found a new home on Lakeshore Road in Dorval last month.

“It served a good purpose for the group but it’s time to leave,” said Gagné.

New beginnings

Équipe Entreprise, Meals-On-Wheels and Les Amis de la Santé Mentale are looking for new locations, though they are in no rush.

“Primarily I see this as an opportunity for growth. If we have a better or bigger location we may be able to service the community in a better fashion,” said Marie-Claude Wilkins, director of Équipe Entreprise.

Cost is a factor for some of the groups. “We’ve been so blessed by the city of Dorval for the way they’ve helped us in all of this,” said Beverly Hanck, executive director of Santé Mentale. Dorval has handled maintenance, like janitorial services, to keep the building functional while the organisations have enjoyed low rent.

“It’s time to start looking at moving . . . It’s so expensive to what we’re accustomed to, it’s very difficult for us with our budget,” said Hanck. They have been unable to find a new location below $30,000 per year, more than twice what they pay now.

The over 60 volunteers, not cost, are the primary concern for Meals-on-Wheels Dorval. “We appreciate our volunteers and how much they’ve given to the City of Dorval,” said Shelley Hayden, food service coordinator for Volunteer West Island.

They will be consulting with the volunteers to best suit their needs and staying in Dorval is essential.