William Dale
Published online July 15, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
SHAWVILLE — Residents and staff at the Pontiac Hospital long-term care unit have a new accessible outdoor space following the official opening of a $1-million balcony and terrace on July 1. Local officials and healthcare staff gathered at the hospital to inaugurate the project, funded by Santé Québec Outaouais (SQO) to improve quality of life for long-term care residents, their families and staff.
Nicole Boucher-Larivière, director of the Pontiac local service network, said the project reflects SQO’s commitment to improving care environments. “Today, we are not only marking the completion of a construction project, but also celebrating a meaningful investment in quality of life, well-being, and human connection,” she said.
The fully accessible balcony and terrace were designed to remove physical barriers for residents with limited mobility. The covered structure allows the space to be used throughout the year while providing protection from the elements. Wood elements were incorporated into the design to create a warm, natural setting intended to promote comfort and relaxation.
“At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a terrace and balcony that encourage interaction, relaxation, and access to fresh air,” Boucher-Larivière said, adding that the space offers residents, families and staff a welcoming place to gather, relax and spend time outdoors.
In addition to serving long-term care residents, the terrace also provides a dedicated outdoor space for visiting families and hospital staff.
“This new balcony is more than a physical structure,” Boucher-Larivière said. “It is a symbol. A symbol of openness. A symbol of well-being. A symbol of our commitment to people.”
Tribute to Dr. Earle Potvin
The celebration also included a moment of reflection following the death of Dr. Earle Potvin on June 29 at the age of 90. Potvin practiced as a general surgeon and family physician in Shawville for more than 55 years, delivering thousands of local babies and serving for decades as the hospital’s sole on-call surgeon. Last fall, the hospital named its surgical wing the Dr. Earle Potvin Wing in his honour.
Photo – Officials and community partners gather on July 1 for the opening of the new long-term care balcony and terrace at Pontiac Hospital in Shawville. From left are Olivier Dion with two of his children, Eugene Hamelin, Jessica Cox, Allan Dean, Nicole Boucher-Larivière, Elaine Lang, Marilyn Brousseau, Véronique Letang-Favreau and Nathalie Dubeau.
