The community debate surrounding Maison Benoît Labre, a supervised consumption site established in Saint-Henri in 2024, continues to brew with residents and merchants expressing their concerns about its impact on the neighborhood.
Peter-Erik Kristoffersen, the proprietor of Strata-Gym, shared his perspective, acknowledging that while the facility itself is well-operated, the issues arise from its influence spilling over into the surrounding area, prompting disruptions and safety worries.
A group of Saint-Henri residents recently announced plans for a protest on Sept. 15 to draw attention to the disturbances and safety risks associated with the site. The supervised consumption site is currently located within a restricted zone, violating Quebec regulations that mandate a 150-meter buffer from schools and daycares. It is expected to relocate by 2029, but some locals are questioning the delay, urging immediate action given the site’s non-compliance.
Herman Alves, a Saint-Henri merchant and protest organizer, highlighted concerns about escalating break-ins and thefts, leading him to fortify his properties with heightened security measures to deter intruders.
Other business owners, such as Philippe Rousseau of Boucherie Notre-Dame, recounted the challenges of coping with recurring disturbances as part of their daily routines, citing frequent disruptions and altercations near their establishments.
Amidst these tensions, Maison Benoît Labre emphasized the increasing demand for its support services, with limited capacity forcing them to turn away a significant number of individuals seeking assistance.
Acknowledging the strain on the neighborhood, the City of Montreal underscored the pressing need for additional resources, advocating for increased funding from Quebec to establish more housing options and specialized care facilities across the city to alleviate the burden on any single locality.
While efforts are being made to address these issues, some residents and merchants feel caught in the middle, expressing their vulnerability and calling for a balanced approach to support both the community and those in need of assistance.
