Ahuntsic-Cartierville community group faces eviction amid growing need for services

A community organization in Ahuntsic-Cartierville may need to find a new location after receiving an eviction notice effective right after Christmas.

The building housing the Service de Nutrition et d'Action Communautaire (SNAC), which provides food baskets for locals in need, is owned by the Centre de service scolaire de Montréal, which has decided to end the lease.

SNAC is one of 13 community groups using the building under the umbrella group Solidarite Ahuntsic.

"We have services for the homeless, for the seniors. We have a food bank. We have mental health and mental health support. We have a lot of services that they can find here," said Remi Robitaille with Solidarite Ahuntsic.

The Centre de service scolaire told CTV News it needs the building to house additional French classes for immigrants moving to Montreal. The community centre lost its fight in court but insists it will not leave.

"So, they ask us to leave on [Dec.] 27. But we will not move on the 27 because we will contest that order," Robitaille explained.

The implications are important for the non-profit, especially for its food basket program and the people who need it.

The community organization said it's now hoping that the Quebec government, or a court intervention, will allow it to stay open at a time when its services are needed most.