The Regroupement Soutien aux Aidants de Brome-Missisquoi is temporarily suspending its respite housing services
Cowansville, June 5, 2025 – The Board of Directors and Management of the Brome-Missisquoi Caregiver Support Group (BMCSG), the organization that owns and runs the Maison Gilles-Carle de Brome-Missisquoi, regretfully announce the temporary suspension, effective immediately, of its respite housing services.
This decision comes in the wake of a non-compliance notice to the requirements of the Québec Construction Code issued by Cowansville’s Urban Planning and Environment Department. In addition, due to the type and use of the building and the particular nature of the BMCSG’s clientele, this notice of non-compliance was also forwarded to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
Pending the RBQ’s requirements and recommendations, and in view of the risks this situation poses for respite care clients, particularly in the event of a fire, the Board of Directors has reached the conclusion that it is currently impossible to maintain all services offered in a safe manner, and has therefore decided, as a preventive measure, to temporarily suspend respite care.
Day respite services, as well as support services for caregivers, will be maintained in their entirety. However, the number of people who can be accommodated during the day will also be temporarily reduced to comply with the current requirements of the City and insurers.
The Board of Directors and Management have drawn up an action plan to minimize the impact and have already approached specialized firms to find appropriate solutions to the problem and make the necessary adjustments to the building. A mandate has been specifically awarded to the Engineering firm Technorm to carry out an assessment of the building.
“My colleagues on the Board of Directors and I are very aware of the inconvenience caused to families and participants by these measures, but we want to assure them that the safety of our customers and staff is at the very heart of our priorities and will continue to guide our decisions and actions. We sincerely hope that the situation will return to normal as soon as possible. I would also like to commend the hard work of our General Manager, Christine Tougas, and her team in managing this difficult situation.” said Johanne Houde, Chairperson of the Board of Directors.