Two Quebec hospitals closed because they don’t meet earthquake standards
One hospital in Quebec’s Charlevoix region will be demolished and another will undergo major renovations after a study for the provincial government determined they don’t meet standards to withstand earthquakes.
Health services in the area northeast of Quebec City will have to be redeployed while the work is done, officials told a news conference Saturday afternoon.
The region is one of Quebec’s most earthquake-prone areas.
Among those present at the news conference was Health Minister Yves Bolduc and Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois, who is the member of the legislature for the region.
A report submitted on Aug. 23 to regional health officials said the Baie-St-Paul hospital should be torn down because renovations would be too expensive and its security would not be guaranteed.
The hospital in La Malbaie will get a $3.9-million facelift, with work to strengthen the structure taking place during the next six to eight months.
Bolduc said the aim is to ensure people using the facilities get the best care possible in a safe environment.
However, he said a new hospital for Baie-St-Paul could take three to five years to build.
