Following the tragedy that occurred in a Vaudreuil-Dorion condo building on Thursday, February 15, Plan A, owner of the Vela complex, held a commemorative evening in memory of the victims. The solemn event took place in the common room of 1650 rue Émile Bouchard, this Tuesday, February 20, from 6 to 10 pm. 

Like many local residents, employees and dignitaries from Vaudreuil-Dorion, including Mayor Guy Pilon, Néomédia was able to attend. "We wanted an intimate gathering to bring together our tenants and employees who have needed to talk and pray since the events. Members of the community were also welcome to join us in this important moment. Wreaths of flowers were laid in front of the complex by members of the community in the aftermath of the tragedy, as a token of sympathy in the wake of events," said Plan A Vice President Joe Nachef. 

Coffee and tea were served to those who came to pay their respects to the two victims and a third woman who was seriously injured. The event was also intended to honor the victims, but also to show support for their families and friends. With this in mind, a number of socio-community speakers were on hand. Among them were police officers from the Sûreté du Québec and a CISSSMO worker.  

"Our role this evening is to be present and to support people in need by chatting with them and referring them to the right resources if necessary. We inform them about our services, but also about what's available in the region should they need it. In my experience, most of the time, people who attend this kind of event won't ask for help right away, either because they're embarrassed to do so in public, or because the symptoms of post-traumatic shock, for example, haven't yet appeared," explained the counsellor we met on site. 

In most cases, it's the managers of the sites where the tragedies occurred, like the one in Vaudreuil-Dorion, who contact the CISSSMO to obtain support for their residents in the aftermath of the events. 

"We adapt to what they want.The meeting can be more formal, with information tools like pamphlets, or take a more discreet form like tonight's memorial to the victims. Events such as those on February 15 can also be a trigger for other companies to get involved in prevention," he adds. 

What kind of symptoms might people experiencing a potential event experience? They range from the physical, such as headaches, pain, increased heart rate, insomnia, hyper-agitation and so on, to the more psycho-emotional.The latter can manifest as difficulty concentrating and paying attention, confusion, memory loss, difficulty making decisions, guilt or an anxious or depressed mood. Sometimes, behavioral symptoms such as irritability, isolation, eating problems, overconsumption of alcohol, drugs or medication, or conflicts with those around you can also occur.What to do if you experience any of these symptoms in a few weeks' time?You can contact the CISSSMO psychosocial intake service from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, at (450) 455--6171, ext. 70049, to make an appointment with a professional. 

The evening included moments of silence, shared memories and expressions of hope and solidarity. Candles were scattered around the room, and photos of the victims were placed on a table in the middle of the common room. 

A tragedy that reverberates as far away as Quebec City 

Guy Pilon, Mayor of Vaudreuil-Dorion, was touched to take part in the ceremony, where solidarity was very much in evidence. "I wanted to be there because it's my community.This is a tragedy that has struck my city, a place where I have friends and acquaintances.It's an irrational act that can't be explained. Earlier this week, I sent a letter to the Minister of Social Services, Lionel Carmant, asking that the review of Act P-38 on the protection of persons whose mental state presents a danger to themselves or to others be carried out within a reasonable timeframe, and that it also involve the Quebec Mental Disorders Review Board." 

The representative of Marie-Claude Nichols, MNA for Vaudreuil, Mélanie Maranda, was also on hand to attend the commemoration. Following the events of February 15, she posted on her social networks: "What a horrible tragedy.All my thoughts are with the families of the victims and the greater Vaudreuil-Dorion community."

To read also: 

Mayor Guy Pilon reacts to Thursday's tragedy 

Assault with a weapon: suspect arrested in recent months

 Assault with a weapon: the SQ confirms two deaths and one very seriously injured victim

Vaudreuil-Dorion tragedy: Fabio Puglisi charged with second-degree murder