Did you know that 38.7% of Nuns’ Island residents are immigrants? As part of the Verdun borough, this island has become a popular place for newcomers to settle. At CSAI, we’re here to make sure that every immigrant on Nuns’ Island has the resources and support they need to integrate smoothly into their new community.
Since 2012, CSAI has been working tirelessly to help immigrants settle into life in Verdun. But in 2019, we realized that many Nuns’ Island residents couldn’t access our Verdun services at 3782 Rue Wellington. To close this gap, we began offering services on the island itself—first at the Elgar Centre and now at our dedicated location at 40 Place du Commerce.
What Services Are Available at 40 Place du Commerce?
At our Nuns’ Island service point, we offer one-on-one appointments to help immigrants navigate the challenges of settling into a new country. Whether you’re here as a permanent resident, temporary worker, student, or refugee, we’re here for you.
Here’s what we can help with:
- Technical support: Need to apply for citizenship? Renew your work permit, CAQ, or study permit? Our team can guide you every step of the way.
- Socio-professional integration: We’ll help you access housing, public services, childcare, schools, job opportunities, and even French language programs.
- Support in multiple languages: While services are primarily in French, our staff also speak English, Arabic, Spanish, Persian, and Mandarin.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone—our dedicated team is here to support you.
Fun and Engaging Activities at the Elgar Centre
Our outreach on Nuns’ Island isn’t just about paperwork and logistics—it’s also about community building and creating spaces for learning and connection. That’s why we host a variety of workshops and activities at the Elgar Centre, tailored to meet the unique needs of newcomers.
French Language Workshops
Want to improve your French in a relaxed, fun setting? Join our workshops led by friendly local volunteers. These sessions cover practical, everyday topics to help you build confidence in your conversations while connecting with others in your community.
Les ateliers d’aide aux devoirs
Homework Support for Kids
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 5 PM, CSAI staff and volunteers are available to help children with their homework. Parents are welcome too! This program not only supports kids in their studies but also encourages families to get involved in their new community.
Les ateliers « Jeunes mamans »
Young Moms’ Workshops:
On Wednesdays from 3:30 PM to 5 PM, we bring moms and their little ones together for Young Moms’ Workshops. These sessions are a chance to bond over fun activities like:
- Arts and crafts
- Origami
- Storytelling
- LEGO building
- Exploring science together
It’s a wonderful way for mothers to connect, relax, and help their children grow and learn.
Why CSAI’s Work on Nuns’ Island Matters
We know that integrating into a new country is both exciting and challenging. That’s why CSAI’s services on Nuns’ Island are designed to make life a little easier for immigrants. From helping you navigate bureaucracy to creating opportunities for connection and learning, we’re here to ensure every newcomer feels supported and valued.
Our team at Nuns’ Island is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where you can access the resources you need and feel part of a caring community.
How to Get Started
If you’re new to Nuns’ Island or simply want to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Visit us at 40 Place du Commerce for personalized support or stop by the Elgar Centre for one of our community workshops.
For more information, visit our website.
