The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the “Mikri Vouli” room at the Community’s head office on Wilderton Avenue. The meeting included discussion of 23 agenda items previously circulated to board members.
The session began with a verification of quorum and an opening prayer. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with a correction to the date. The meeting proceeded with the Chairman’s report.
In the financial update, a detailed report was given on the status of the Community’s credit line with the bank. The new administration submitted all required financial documentation within the deadlines requested by the bank. The request concerned a temporary increase in the line of credit to $750,000 until August 16, to be reduced to $300,000 by the end of September. This amount was deemed necessary to meet salary and operational commitments during the summer.
The bank approved the request, restoring the Community’s financial file to standard standing. It was also noted that the Ministry of Education was expected to issue a grant of $511,000, with additional income anticipated from tuition and other subsidies. While the increased credit implies higher interest and borrowing costs, the administration stated its objective to reduce the operating deficit during the 2025–2026 fiscal year, aiming to balance the budget the following year.
A detailed assessment was presented regarding the condition of the roof of the Grande Salle. A technical inspection concluded that the existing roof structure did not meet specifications outlined in the original construction contract, as the old insulation was not removed. Moisture was found to have accumulated, with total repair costs estimated at approximately two million dollars. A formal notice has been sent to the construction company, and investigations are underway to determine potential insurance coverage and any oversight by the engineering firm that supervised the original work.
The Board was also informed of plans to submit a grant application under the “Programme d’Aide Financière aux Infrastructures Jeunesse.” The proposal involves renovating the Grande Salle. The project meets key eligibility criteria, including non-religious use and primary benefit to youth aged 15 to 29. The proposed renovation aligns with four objectives from the provincial “Plan d’Action Jeunesse”: Health, Education, Culture, and Employment. If approved, the grant would cover up to 90% of the cost, with a maximum of $300,000. The application is scheduled for submission by the September 18 deadline.
The renewal of insurance policies covering the Community’s real estate assets was approved. The total premium amounts to $513,000, plus applicable taxes. A tax exemption on premiums for church-related properties is under review, with the potential to reclaim past overpayments if eligibility is confirmed.
The Board authorized the reservation of the reception hall for the 2026 school graduation ceremony. The event is expected to generate net revenue rather than expenses.
A revision to the recently announced tuition increase was also presented. Following the partial reinstatement of government subsidies, the tuition increase for the 2025–2026 school year was reduced by $108 per student. Although the government funding specifically applies to kindergarten and elementary levels, the adjustment will be applied uniformly across all school levels to maintain equity.
An update was given on the membership renewal campaign. Over the previous three weeks, approximately 1,362 phone calls were made to individuals with expired memberships. As a result, 208 members expressed an intention to renew.
The meeting also included the announcement of a new collaborative fundraising effort. The HCGM’s Fundraising Committee and the Socrates Educational Foundation will co-organize a joint event aimed at supporting school infrastructure and student financial assistance.
A philanthropic donation was acknowledged during the meeting. Retired professor Paris Arnopoulos contributed $50,000 to the Community’s Endowment Fund, along with an additional $10,000 earmarked for student tuition support. Professor Arnopoulos has been a member of the community since 1948 and served for many years at Concordia University.
Details were shared regarding an upcoming concert honoring composer Mikis Theodorakis. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra will perform the tribute on August 16, 2025, at Place des Arts. An additional outdoor concert will take place on August 13 at the Olympic Park. Tickets have been made available through both the Community and the Hellenic Congress of Quebec. A follow-up musical event is planned for November, featuring popular Greek songs.
During the public question period, concerns were raised regarding maintenance issues in community housing units, technical infrastructure, and other logistical matters. A separate green initiative was presented concerning the Socrates School in Laval. The project includes the removal of 213 square meters of asphalt and the planting of 15 trees. It is funded 78% by the City of Laval through the Canopée program, with the remaining 22% provided by the Parent Committee through its own fundraising.
A final matter concerned the existence of a forensic audit report by the firm MNP. Mr. Ilias Hondronicolas asked for a copy of the audit, which he stated had been commissioned by the previous administration. During the meeting, the President of the HCGM stated that no such report exists. This position was reiterated in an August 6 email to former Audit Committee member John Moukas, in which the President clarified that although MNP had been retained to provide advisory services, no final audit report had been issued or delivered to the HCGM Board or Executive Committee. An invoice confirms that professional services were rendered by MNP, but no documentation or audit summary was produced.
The meeting concluded with confirmation of the next session, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
