Re-structuring the Douglas will take six years and $330 million

“Through a transparent process, we wish to clearly explain our project to the public so that they understand and support it”, said Kimberly Eyquem, Communications Consultant for the Douglas Institute. It must be mentioned that this construction project will cost $250 million plus another $80 million for architects’ fees, equipment and furniture, for a total of $330 million.” Ms. Eyquem pointed out that “work will start in five years at the earliest, if approvals are obtained within the required time.”

According to the report, a pre-feasibility study ordered by the Board of Directors indicate that the existing buildings no longer satisfy the needs of modern health practices; their renovations will require more or less the same amounts if not higher, for the new facilities.

The study recommends therefore that a single facility integrate all services with common interior spaces. The new facility will be located near Champlain Boulevard at the corner of Stephens Street. The daycare will eventually be relocated and expanded. The chosen location for the future complex will enable the Institute to continue its work and activities during construction. A study on the heritage aspect of the buildings will be conducted to determine which elements hold historical value for the purpose of preserving them.

More than 300 patients, employees, community partners in mental health as well as local and provincial government representatives were consulted for the pre-feasibility study.

Given that the information meetings will include a tour of the premises, places are limited to 30 people per session. Advanced reservations are therefore obligatory and can be done by e-mail at: imagine@douglas.qc.ca or by calling Catherine Girardin at 514-761-6131, extension 6138. For more information, visit the Institute’s web site at: www.douglas.qc.ca.