Major Work at Habitations Plamondon - OMHM will support tenants in relocation process

MONTREAL, Aug. 21, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Office municipal d'habitation de Montréal (OMHM) will be undertaking major work at Habitations Plamondon requiring the relocation of all tenants for at least two years.

OMHM management has already informed the 60 households, comprising mainly seniors, of the measures taken to ensure their health, safety and wellbeing. Over the coming weeks, individual meetings will be held with each tenant as part of the first phase of the operation. Our teams will support tenants in choosing an apartment and make them aware of the resources available, as well as answer their questions and listen to their concerns. Throughout the process, the OMHM will ensure a presence among tenants.

Complicated Problem
Following an air quality problem, the OMHM took several measures to correct the situation. With the cooperation of the Direction de la santé publique (DSP) and the Centre de santé et de services sociaux (CSSS) de la Montagne, the OMHM evaluated the impact on tenants' health. Certain higher-risk tenants were then relocated with their consent and the support of OMHM personnel.

Envelope assessments and visual and intrusive inspections were carried out and all the kitchens and bathrooms were inspected. Based on the recommendations made, the OMHM proceeded with work to redo the roof, replace the ventilation units and clean the ducts. Ultimately, a very complex phenomenon related to all of these factors is at the root of the air quality problem. More recent assessments, infiltrometer tests and the opening and analysis of the outside walls show that the exterior envelope is the main source of the problem.

"The problems identified must be corrected and decontamination carried out," said Serge Villandré, Director of the Southwest Sector at the OMHM.

Major Work
"During the work, the level of discomfort for the residents would have been intolerable, which is why they must be relocated," continued Mr. Villandré.

The work should begin in the summer of 2013 and end in the fall of 2014. According to preliminary estimates, the cost will be nearly $9 million.

Reassuring Expertise
Mr. Villandré, who has considerable expertise in tenant relocation, assured the residents of Habitations Plamondon that every effort will be made to ensure that the operation goes as smoothly as possible.

Once the work is completed, tenants will be able to move back into their apartment and live in a healthier, safer environment.

OMHM
The OMHM is a non-profit organization formed in 2002 following the consolidation of the Island of Montreal's 15 municipal housing authorities. It manages the largest residential housing inventory on the Island of Montreal, which includes:

• 20,767 apartments as part of the Low-Rent Social Housing Program;
• 7,313 apartments (agreements with private sector landlords) as part of the Rent Supplement Program;
• 1,699 apartments built as part of the Quebec Affordable Housing Program.

To accomplish its mission, the OMHM relies on the commitment of about 740 employees.

SOURCE: OFFICE MUNICIPAL D'HABITATION DE MONTREAL

Marie-Eve Leblanc
Communications Manager
Tel.: [phone]
Cell. : 514 467-4185