SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Trail--Transition Housing for Veterans
June 23, 2021
Honourable senators, I speak today in my fourth segment highlighting the work done by Le Sentier – The Trail for the well-being of our veterans. I’ve already spoken about the beginnings of the charity, their work in Montreal and surrounding areas, and their partnership with Équi-Sens, a therapeutic equestrian centre.
Today, I’m excited to tell you about the state-of-the-art facility to be built adjacent to the veterans hospital on the West Island of Montreal in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. This facility, called The Trail – Transition Housing for Veterans, will be built in three phases.
Phase one will consist of the main building, built with the highest level of guidelines to ensure the well-being of employees and clients. This main facility will include meeting rooms for other organizations offering services to the veterans to use. It will have a short-term transition house divided into 20 units and medical consultation rooms where physicians and other medical professionals can come to offer care to the residents. They will also offer a swing space where residents can socialize, a gym to encourage physical well-being, a patio on the roof and a park for service animals. This facility without a doubt will fill a gap in the process of returning to civilian life for Armed Forces personnel and veterans. They’re hoping to break ground soon to start the real work.
Phases two and three are still in the planning stages. Le Sentier — The Trail wants to ensure that it fully meets the needs of their clients and will finalize those plans once they’ve determined what gaps are in phase one.
Colleagues, thank you for your interest in the welfare of our Armed Forces personnel. I will keep you posted on the charity’s progress upon our return in the fall. Thank you.