Montreal says it will continue dismantling homeless camps, despite a city-commissioned report urging a pause and better policies.
Montreal Rejects Call to Stop Clearing Homeless Camps
Despite a city-commissioned report urging reform, officials say dismantling encampments remains necessary for safety.
City Response to Public Report
The City of Montreal confirmed Thursday that it will not commit to stopping the dismantling of homeless encampments, despite recommendations made in a 300-page report by the city’s public consultation office. The report, based on public hearings held last year, urged the city to pause removals until a clear policy is in place.
Reasons Cited for Continued Removals
City officials defended their approach, describing camp dismantling as a “last resort” necessary for public safety. Robert Beaudry, the executive committee member in charge of homelessness, said the real issue lies in the lack of long-term housing and support. “The encampments are a bit like the tree that hides the forest,” Beaudry said during a city hall news conference.
What the Report Recommends
The consultation report calls for immediate changes in how the city handles homelessness. It urges the creation of safer conditions at encampments, including access to water, sanitation, and electricity. It also proposes delaying removals until formal protocols are in place and recommends a symbolic declaration recognizing unhoused individuals as equal citizens.
Why Officials Are Pushing Back
Beaudry rejected the proposal to improve conditions within camps, citing Vancouver’s experience with a sanctioned site that was ultimately shut down over safety concerns. Instead, he emphasized Montreal’s intent to increase services — though no specific resource commitments or timelines were provided.
How Inter-Government Disputes Complicate Action
The report identifies a “major governance deficit” and a lack of coordination between municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Philippe Bourke, president of the consultation office, described the situation as a “blame game” that reduces the effectiveness of homelessness responses and leads to burnout within support organizations.
City to Accept Some Measures
While resisting key proposals, city officials expressed support for certain recommendations. Beaudry confirmed that council will formally declare the rights of homeless individuals in an upcoming session. The report also encourages the expansion of supervised drug consumption services, calling their current availability insufficient for public health needs.
Scope of the Homelessness Problem
According to the report, there were 4,690 visibly unhoused people in Montreal in 2022 — up from 3,149 in 2018. Indigenous people make up 13% of that population, despite representing only 0.6% of the city’s total. The report highlights that 60% of unhoused individuals experience mental health issues, and 45% report medical or physical conditions.
What Comes Next
Mayor Valérie Plante acknowledged the urgent need for more resources and cross-government collaboration. “We will continue our efforts and go even further,” she said online. However, the city has yet to announce a clear timeline or funding plan to address the consultation’s findings.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
