Important Update - CGF
The Gabriel Fugère Center will continue the development of its project in a new host community
Contents:
Official press release
The Gabriel Fugère Center (CGF) announces that it is ending the steps related to the housing, specialized services, and research project for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ID ASD) that had been considered for lots 6 464 714 and 6 357 518 in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines. This decision follows an analysis of the municipal context and an evaluation of the conditions required to move the project forward.
After receiving a letter from the municipal administration indicating the obligation to acquire the land and complete the work leading to the issuance of a building permit by October 2026, the CGF has determined that the conditions necessary to pursue the project are not met.
Between 2023 and 2026, the CGF held several meetings with the municipality, the Thérèse-De Blainville RCM, the CISSS des Laurentides, professional firms, and various institutional partners. The project involved technical, administrative, and financial steps, including the preparation of preliminary plans, specialized studies, and consultations. Following the change in municipal administration in November 2025, exchanges decreased, resulting in a slowdown of preparatory work.
It is important to recall that more than 110,000 adults with ID ASD live in Québec, and several thousand are waiting for housing. The CGF’s project aims to help hundreds of them age better each month, while providing increased respite for their natural caregivers.
Considering all these elements, the CGF is therefore ending the process related to the purchase option provided for in the December 20, 2024 Agreement.
The organization wishes to sincerely thank the municipal service directors, the Thérèse-De Blainville RCM, institutional partners, professional firms, and citizens who have supported the project since its inception.
The CGF will continue to evaluate the opportunities that have been offered for relocating the project. More details will be available soon on our website.
Centre GabrielFugère
[email protected]
www.centregabrielfugere.com
Social acceptance (see French version for more details).
Reactions following the presentation of the project on social media (representing approximately 300,000 indirect views).
Now, where do we stand since 2026?
(By Daniel Fugère)
In September 2025, I came across an article titled “What we do (and don’t know) about autism and ageing – new research” (https://theconversation.com/what-we-do-and-dont-know-about-autism-and-ageing-new-research-264140). At that moment, I also discovered a difficult reality: among people with Down syndrome, and some individuals living with ASD, approximately 77% develop Alzheimer’s disease as early as their twenties. This disease progresses slowly, over a period of 10 to 20 years before becoming truly noticeable.
My son Gabriel is 29 years old. He has Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and presents moderate to severe ASD. For many autistic or trisomic individuals, the age of 45 represents a critical stage, often marked by significant decline.
Another fact struck me deeply: despite a global population of roughly 70 million people living with ASD, less than 1% (0.14%) of worldwide research focuses on ageing in this population. This is a troubling reality, but it also explains why it is urgent to build adapted, stable, and sustainable environments for ageing autistic and trisomic adults.
In 2026, the Gabriel Fugère Center decided to establish the « Centre internationale de recherche sur le vieillissement des adultes autiste (CIRVAA, in english International Center for Research on Autistic Adult Aging (ICRAAA) ». The CIRVAA / ICRAAA will be integrated into the CGF.
Initially operating in a virtual format, the CIRVAA / ICRAAA aims to be a true hub — a central platform working in collaboration with universities, research centers, clinicians, practitioners, physicians, and others around the world. The implementation of the CIRVAA / ICRAAA will take place throughout the year.
Once the day center is built, our center will offer one of the best study populations, enabling the development of concrete solutions to help autistic individuals and others age better. We are referring here to artificial intelligence (my field of expertise), robots capable of detecting specific behaviors, training tools for practitioners, biological and physiological research, and more.
Already, elected officials, organizations, several individuals, and the University of Sherbrooke have expressed interest. We also plan to collaborate with École des Érables on joint research projects.
The CIRVAA / ICRAAA intends to remain independent from universities and organizations, while fully collaborating with them. Given the very limited volume of research in this field, our goal is to bring together as many partners as possible around the table, rather than being associated exclusively with a single university, for example.
Soon (Fall 2026), this website will host pages entirely dedicated to the CIRVAA / ICRAAA.
Other references:
L'Express - Fédération québécoise de l’autisme (Dossier Autisme et vieillissement)
Les parents d’adultes autistes ne peuvent pas mourir :
https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/adm/org/ophq/Administration/PEPH/Rapports_recherche/Soutenir-parents-adultes-autistes.pdf?utm_source=Cyberimpact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=infolettre---debut-avril-2026-mt
The CGF – Alain Doucet Endowment Fund
Also in 2026, we had the tremendous opportunity to receive remarkable donations that allowed us to create our Endowment Fund. This fund is, in fact, a true endowment: a sum of money invested over the long term to support a mission. The money is not spent directly; it is invested, and the revenues it generates (interest, returns) are used to finance projects.
In simple terms:
- The capital remains intact.
- It generates revenue every year.
- This revenue supports a cause or an organization.
It is a way to create a stable, durable, and secure source of funding that continues to support the mission for decades. This fund is administered by iA Financial Group (Industrielle Alliance).
The CGF – Alain Doucet Endowment Fund accepts contributions of $20,000 and more.
In accordance with best practices in the sector, 75% of each donation is allocated to the endowment capital, where it is invested long term. The remaining 25% supports the CGF’s mission and ensures the sustainability of its operations.
Each donor receives a tax receipt. Recognition mentions and exclusive events will be offered according to different donation tiers (for example: $100,000 to $150,000, CIRVAA / ICRAAA conferences, VIP evenings with selected researchers, etc.). A very special thank you goes to Mr. Alain Doucet, whose generosity made the creation of this fund—and all these initiatives—possible.
Community Savings (in development)
The Gabriel Fugère Center is currently working on the creation of a community savings mechanism that will allow citizens, families, and partners to invest directly in the CGF’s mission. This product will offer a simple and accessible way to support the project while obtaining a socially responsible return.
Thanks to the CGF – Alain Doucet Endowment Fund, which provides a solid and sustainable financial foundation, it is now possible to develop this type of innovative tool.
Simple example: 5% over 5 years
For illustration purposes, a person could invest an amount (e.g., $1,000 or more) and receive 5% interest per year for 5 years, while contributing to an essential project for adults with ID ASD. This model provides:
- a stable return for the saver;
- structured financing for the CGF;
- a direct social impact for the community;
- no tax receipt is possible for this mechanism.
More details will be announced soon on our website.
Of course, “regular” donations are accepted and will always be welcome, and each of these donations comes with a tax receipt.
These three pillars will allow the CGF to develop partnerships, attract scientific collaborations, and support innovative projects beyond Québec.
Thank you. See you soon.
July 8, 2026
Daniel Fugère
Executive Director
[email protected]
FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE
Support for our adults
Respite for our caregivers
One of the most important projects in Québec, bringing social innovation
and exceptional visibility to our nation.
About Us
The Gabriel Fugère Centre (CGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual disabilities by offering a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. We also strive to provide essential respite for caregivers.
Our Mission
Our mission is to maintain and strengthen the skills of adults with intellectual disabilities while offering indispensable support to families. Through educational, social, and therapeutic activities, we foster inclusion and individual fulfillment.
Our Vision
We aim to transform the Gabriel Fugère Centre into a non-profit social economy organization, where each entity contributes to the organization’s self-financing, thereby ensuring the ongoing development and expansion of our services
The Centre’s History
On October 7, 1996, Gabriel was born with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His educational journey began in 2004 at École des Érables, a benchmark institution for his parents, who dreamed of a place adapted to adults like him.
Between 2010 and 2015, the idea of a day centre took shape: a model inspired by École des Érables, combined with a self-financing approach through the rental of commercial spaces. A first official meeting was held in August 2015 to bring this project to life.
The 2020 pandemic put everything on hold, but on February 10, 2021, Pascale, Carole, and Daniel founded the non-profit Gabriel Fugère Centre. By 2022, the project resumed and gained momentum.
On July 4, 2023, a visit to École des Érables in the presence of elected officials and partners marked a major turning point: the Groulx and Sainte-Anne ridings committed actively to the project, a decisive step toward a structured, sustainable, and adapted space for adults living with intellectual disabilities.
The story continues.
The Classes
The Gabriel Fugère Centre is inspired by École des Érables in Deux-Montagnes to provide a structured and adapted environment for adults living with intellectual disabilities. Our modern facilities include a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a Snoezelen room, as well as several specialized rooms designed to meet the needs of each participant.
The program is organized into four classes, each welcoming 10 adults and 4 support staff members, with a rotating schedule that allows up to 40 adults to be served each day. Groups are assigned on a fixed basis: one group attends on Mondays and Tuesdays, a second on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and a third on Fridays. This structure promotes personalized follow-up while optimizing access to services.
The Centre operates in three annual sessions — fall, winter, and summer — with registration completed one session in advance to ensure effective planning.
Registration fees will apply for both classes and recreational activities.
Leisure
Alongside the classes, our facilities are open to adults who wish to take part in adapted recreational activities. These moments provide opportunities to socialize, relax, and explore new interests in a safe and supportive environment.
Participants have access to a variety of spaces and engaging activities, ranging from sports (swimming, gymnasium, relaxation) to creative workshops (painting, music, gardening), as well as moments of rest and well-being in our specially designed rooms.
To ensure optimal organization, reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Depending on available funding, registration fees may apply; however, our goal is to offer as many services as possible free of charge and to ensure equitable access to activities.
Registration fees will apply for both classes and recreational activities.
For a Structured and Inclusive Future
Major opportunities for the
Thérèse-De Blainville
Regional County Municipality (RCM)
The Gabriel Fugère Centre represents a transformative project with significant benefits for the region. Its impact is felt on social, economic, and municipal levels, strengthening local cohesion and vitality.
Social
Strengthening the population’s sense of pride and belonging
Building connections between Centre participants and the community
Social reintegration and innovation in social practices
Economic
Creation of specialized jobs for local residents
A structuring investment that stimulates the regional economy
Development of commercial spaces and affordable housing
Partnership
Development of a long-vacant site for a project with high social value
Partnership with the CGF for the use of facilities and the swimming pool
Complementing government services in health and social services
The Centre in Images
Our Vision
To create and innovate responsibly, becoming a leading and committed stakeholder from an architectural, social, and environmental perspective.
Live
Dream
Create
An Inclusive Residential Component
Affordable Housing
52 affordable housing units
20 one-bedroom units dedicated to autonomous adults with ASD, currently allocated to Habitations l’Envolée des Basses-Laurentides
4 units with 6 bedrooms each intended for short-term respite stays (24 spaces in total)
Cafeteria and recreation rooms located directly on the garden level
Enclosed and heated passageway connecting the social housing units to the day centre
In addition, commercial spaces serving both our participants and our approximately 60 employees will be located directly on the site.
Essential Services for a Community in Need
A Tangible Impact in Numbers
4
classes of 10 adults
4
support staff members per class
35+
Adults able to use the day centre facilities at any time
250+
Adults attending the day centre each week
1000+
Adults
2000+
Caregivers
benefiting monthly from the services offered by the CGF
4
« classes » de 10 adultes
4
intervenants par classe
35+
Adultes pouvant utiliser les installations du centre de jour en tout temps.
250+
Adultes fréquenteront le centre de jour à chaque semaine.
1000+
adultes
2000+
aidants naturels
par mois bénéficieront des services offerts par le CGF
Figures that illustrate the impact of the CGF on our adults, their families, and the community
An Inspiring Wave of Solidarity
A concrete action for real impact.
Meaningful support for the community
The CGF is receiving an incredible wave of support!
Be Part of the Change
By supporting the Gabriel Fugère Centre, you help provide a structured and caring environment for adults living with intellectual disabilities and ASD, while offering essential respite to families and caregivers. Every donation helps fund educational programs, adapted activities, and specialized support.
Tax receipts will be issued later this year.
Contact
Daniel Fugère,
General Manager
Head Office:
212-B boul. Labelle Rosemère
(Québec) J7A 2H4
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