A decision to move the CLSC that serves Lachine and Dorval from its current location to LaSalle is stirring strong emotions. Residents say the new location is difficult to reach by public transit, creating a health-care “desert” in the area. Three weeks ago, the West-Island Health Board (CIUSSS) announced the closure of the CLSC on Notre-Dame Street in Lachine. “We had to relocate the CLSC Dorval-Lachine because the existing facilities are no longer up to standard to offer quality care and services,” said Helene Bergeron-Gamache of the West-Island CIUSSS. Most services were moved several kilometres away to the LaSalle CLSC on Newman Boulevard. Local representatives are unhappy with the move. “The need hasn’t gone away. It’s just going to be harder for those people to get the services they need. Will they be back at a new location in Lachine? Are they going to have to take the bus to LaSalle? It’s not very clear what we’re going to do,” said Dorval Mayor Marc Doret. Some services were also moved to an older building on Third Avenue, which is considered just as inadequate. Bernard Blanchet, a community activist and former board member at the Lachine CLSC, said he is concerned about the closure. “People don’t necessarily have a way to get there. If they don’t have a car… public transit has never been very good,” said Blanchet. “And you know, sometimes when a service is moved, it means it may never come back.” In Lachine, residents say they will miss the convenience of having services nearby. Patient care activist Paul Brunet has already filed a complaint with the health board’s ombudsman. “For patients, the challenges of transportation and moving can be just as difficult as the care they need. Have decision-makers considered that? We have, and it’s something we take seriously,” he said. The local Liberal member of the National Assembly, Enrico Ciccone, also opposes the move. “I find this move unacceptable. I’m tired of seeing my constituents insecure about health care. Many don’t have a car and have to walk,” he said in a statement to CTV News. Mayor Doret said he offered the health board two locations to rebuild the CLSC nearby, but the project fell through over funding. He now fears the move to LaSalle could become permanent.
