A New Living Environment in Montreal for Our Youth

Larry Watt, Executive Director of the Ungava Tulattavik Health Center (UTHC), accompanied by the cultural security team, recently visited the new premises currently under renovation in Montreal. This visit provided an opportunity to learn about an important project for the future of our young persons with adjustment problems.

A Living Environment That Makes a Difference

The project calls for the development of two open units, each with 12 beds. The first unit will be dedicated to Sapummivik, the open rehabilitation center for boys aged 12 to 17. The other will serve as an overflow unit and will be able to accommodate boys or girls aged 12 to 17, as needed.

This project represents an important step toward providing better living conditions for young people who require services in Montreal. The new units will be larger, brighter, and more accessible to families and visitors.

Although both residential units are located in the city, UTHC aims to create an atmosphere reminiscent of Nunavik. The design of the facilities will allow the youth to find familiar elements, helping them maintain a connection to their culture and community.

The goal is to create a space where young people can feel at home, surrounded by respect, understanding, and kindness.

During the visit, Nataki Collins, coordinator of the Ulluriaq unit in Montreal, gave a tour of the facilities. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the needs of young people and the importance of creating living environments that foster their well-being.

The new service center in Montreal will provide an environment better suited to the young people’s needs and ensure the continuity of rehabilitation services through a 10-year lease. As soon as the new facilities in Puvirnituq are built and ready for use, the young people will be relocated there to return to the northern territory.

The opening of this new service center is scheduled for winter 2027, provided construction progresses as planned. The transfer of the youth could begin in February or March 2027.

For the past few months, the Regional Rehabilitation Services for Young Persons with Adjustment Problems has been working in collaboration with UTHC’s Technical Services, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, and the company Rodimax to renovate the sixth floor of the building.