King David Residence

By Joel Goldenberg

The Le King David Residence, a category 3 semi-autonomous seniors residence that first opened in Côte St. Luc 49 years ago, officially announced it is closing and halting all operations by Sept. 30, forcing its residents to move. The owners, Thomas Marcantonio and Alfonso Graceffa, have declined comment to media.

The residence has provided nursing and recreational services.”Since its inception in 1975, Le King David has been a symbol of compassion, empathy, and exceptional care in Côte St. Luc,” the residence’s website says. “With a profound sense of responsibility, we announce the closure of this esteemed seniors’ residence. This decision, influenced by the post-COVID era’s challenges, recognizes the profound impact it will have on our residents and the community.The residence’s website adds that it is “working closely with the local health authority and the CLSC to facilitate transitions for residents opting to move into the public system.”

The CLSC has confirmed that it was advised of the closure and has vowed to help those looking for a new place to live, adding that the 77 residents have been assessed by an independent living for seniors professional and that two information sessions have already taken place for the residents and their families.

Daniel Lévesque of the Syndicat québécois des employées et employés de service, expressed concern about residents aged between 80 and 90 having to seek new housing at this time of their lives. “I have the impression that the owners consider it like real estate,” he told Radio-Canada. Lévesque added that several of the residence’s 40 employees did not receive a $4 per hour bonus for several months, and that the need for unilingual English-speaking employees to find new work is also a concern.

Côte St. Luc communications director Darryl Levine has said that while the city has not received a permit request to convert the building to a new type of housing, no zoning change would be needed to do so. In 2017, it was announced that the Castel Royale seniors residence on Cavendish Blvd. would become an apartment building. The building closed as a seniors residence because of maintenance issues.

CSL councillor Steven Erdelyi told The Suburban that the closure is not a surprise to him, and that “I have since been checking in with the King David and Waldorf, and reached out to the B’nai Brith House and CIUSSS to help make sure everyone can be placed.” n