Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced the successful accomplishment of surpassing the target of establishing 500 new spots in warming shelters before Christmas. The city now boasts a total of over 3,000 spaces, with 532 new places created.
During a recent press conference, Mayor Martinez Ferrada emphasized the importance of addressing the winter needs by strategically placing warming shelters in areas with higher concentration. Plans are underway to introduce additional warming shelters early next year to aid those residing in the encampment on Notre Dame Street near Viau Street. Two trailers capable of accommodating approximately 10 individuals each will be installed near the encampment.
The focus is on optimizing the use of smaller spaces within the city to provide enhanced support for community organizations and better manage neighborhood cohabitation, as explained by Mayor Martinez Ferrada.
Julien Montreuil, the director general of community organization L’Anonyme collaborating on the project, highlighted the goal of placing the trailers within existing encampments to prevent winter-related fatalities.
While acknowledging the progress made, Leader of the Official Opposition Ericka Alneus urged for more transparency regarding the authenticity of the administration’s claims. Alneus raised questions about the closure of 135 spaces at YWCA by Jan. 18, emphasizing the ongoing winter challenges beyond that date.
The tragic incident of a man in his 30s, who lost his life after a tent fire in Montreal’s Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough, was also addressed. City Councillor Benoit Langevin shed light on the isolation and marginalization faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasizing the need for diverse solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Mayor Martinez Ferrada emphasized the ongoing effort to expand shelter offerings and encouraged anyone with available space to reach out via email at offredesites@montreal.ca.
