Old Montreal Children's could house Syrian refugees, YMCA says

The old Montreal Children's Hospital could house Syrian refugees if the YMCA has its way.

The nearby YMCA residence already has 150 rooms, most of which are already occupiedsome by refugees from various countries.

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JeryRalainony, aco-ordinator at the residence, saidtheYMCA is eager to help house some of the thousands of Syrians expected to arrive in Montreal within weeks.

"We couldaccommodatethem there and our team would be ready," he said.

The YMCAhas made a request to Quebec's immigration ministry to use facilitiesleft vacant since the Children'smoved to the newMUHCsite.

At the old building, residents would have lodging, a cafeteria and access to information sessions on housing, community integration and Canadian police,Ralainony said.

The YMCA says it'sawaiting a response from the province.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed to bringing 25,000 refugees to Canadaby the end of year,but the federal government is still working out the details ofits plan for doing so.

Quebec Immigration Minister KathleenWeilhas saidthe province has the capacity to accept about 5,400 refugees as part of the commitment.