On Wednesday morning, a Montreal encampment in the Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie borough was dismantled, displacing seven people. Located near St-Laurent Boulevard and Bellechasse Street, the encampment was on land owned by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway. Railway police and CPKC employees were seen clearing out belongings and trashing items like lawn chairs and tarps.
The eviction followed warnings from CPKC about trespassing on private property. The City of Montreal had offered aid to those living in the encampment, but it was reportedly declined. Montreal’s policy prohibits encampments in public spaces, and the city claims it has no alternative public spaces available. Richard Côté, who had lived at the encampment since March, claimed he was never formally notified about the eviction and criticized the city for not providing adequate alternatives. Côté, who had previously lost his belongings in a fire, is uncertain about his next steps. His neighbor, Bertin Babineau, who has been homeless for four years, plans to find a new place to camp but will try to remain less visible to avoid further relocations.
Maxime Bonneau, head of Pact De Rue, criticized the eviction, arguing it stigmatizes the homeless and exacerbates their isolation. Bonneau expressed concern that the removal could lead individuals to unsafe hiding places and worsen their conditions, particularly during recent heat waves. Montreal estimates around 4,690 visibly homeless individuals with only 1,600 shelter spots available. Bonneau calls for more long-term, adapted resources rather than temporary measures, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions beyond emergency shelters.
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