In Quebec, more than a quarter of private seniors’ residences (RPA) are still without sprinklers. However, they will benefit from a reprieve, given that the deadline to equip themselves with these devices will be moved from December 2024 to December 2027, Sonia Bélanger, Minister responsible for Seniors, announced Thursday.
The majority of the 363 RPAs that do not have sprinklers have 30 rental units or less, Mr.me Bélanger. Of the lot, 271 are in the process of equipping themselves with these devices.
The program to help affected RPA owners pay part of the cost of installing sprinklers will also be increased, the minister pointed out. The amount granted for the installation of an independent water supply system will therefore increase from $200,000 to $300,000.
Sonia Bélanger thus wishes to prevent the closure of establishments that fail to comply with the requirements. “I am sensitive to the reality of small RPAs. Closures must be avoided at all costs, because they have significant and direct consequences on the residential supply.”
Further details will follow.
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