The Montréal-Nord borough has initiated an internal inquiry following the demolition of a homeless encampment, which contradicted the new administration’s pledge to cease such actions.
The borough mayor characterized the incident as a “clean-up operation” that went off course, attributing it to an unfortunate misunderstanding. However, for René Marquis, the impact was far more significant.
Marquis resided in the vacant lot for six months and lamented the destruction or damage of all his possessions, including medication, food, sleeping gear, and other items.
Upon his return on Monday, Marquis found city workers already bulldozing the site. Despite informing them of his agreement with the borough, they proceeded to dump his belongings in a large, muddy heap before departing.
Borough mayor Christine Black of Ensemble Montréal acknowledged that people experiencing homelessness had been residing on the lot, which is typically designated for storage and heavy machinery training. While living there is generally prohibited, it had been tolerated due to the lack of alternative options for those individuals.
Black emphasized the borough’s obligation to show compassion towards those less fortunate and highlighted the necessity to clear the site, which had become hazardous for everyone. She announced an internal investigation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the incident and emphasized the importance of providing awareness and sensitivity training to employees.
Rue Action Prévention (RAP Jeunesse), a local organization operating a day shelter near the encampment, expressed concerns about the lack of advance notice regarding the operation. The organization’s executive director, René Obregon-Ida, emphasized that the encampment was destroyed rather than dismantled, noting the breach of established protocols.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, during her recent campaign, pledged increased funding to address homelessness and proposed a new encampment policy focused on enhancing cleanliness and safety supervision rather than mere dismantling.
In response to an article about the incident published by La Presse, Montreal’s blue-collar union criticized the city for inconsistent management practices. The union underscored the challenges faced by its members when dealing with homeless populations and highlighted the need for uniform procedures across boroughs.
RAP Jeunesse has arranged temporary accommodation for Marquis in a nearby hotel, but he has resorted to setting up a makeshift shelter outdoors as he navigates his next steps.