There’s a new retirement residence coming to Pontiac, located in the building that used to house the Auberge Mont Blanc restaurant in Portage du Fort. Owner Pierre Jolicœur said that he recently retired to Calumet Island and having run several retirement facilities in Ontario, saw that there was a need in the community for seniors’ housing.

Pierre Jolicoeur talks about how his retirement residence Manoir Meril came to be:

The residence is named Manoir Meril, after Jolicœur’s father. He expected that renovations to the old building, which has sat empty for many years, would be complete by the end of the summer, adding that the location has a lot of potential. Each of the eight units in the facility will have private entrances and bathrooms, but will share a living room and kitchen facilities. Jolicœur said that there would also be a chef on site.

Jolicœur said that renovating a building that size during the pandemic was a challenge, and they had some setbacks with the late delivery of supplies. However, he said that once the manor is up and running, he hopes to add more units in the rear of the property. He said he was also currently looking for staff in several different specializations.

Pierre Jolicoeur speaks about the difficulties of renovating his building during COVID-19:

The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the building is set for Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.

To inquire about a room or employment opportunities, email merilmanoir@gmail.com or call 819-529-1275.