Montreal is facing bitter cold temperatures as the new year kicks off, with wind chills dropping to nearly minus-30 Celsius. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the city’s unhoused population as initiatives to provide more shelter spaces are underway.
Sam Watts, the president and CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, which supports individuals experiencing homelessness, notes that various measures are being implemented simultaneously to improve the winter experience for those in need. Montreal has recently opened 500 additional warming shelter spots citywide to ensure people have a safe place to stay during dangerously cold weather.
According to Watts, the warming areas are proving to be popular and utilized, though there is high demand in the East End. Despite these positive steps, advocates caution that the reliance on emergency services highlights a systemic issue: the ongoing shortage of permanent housing perpetuates a cycle of crisis management every winter.
Before the pandemic, Montreal had 900 emergency beds or spaces available for the unhoused population. This number has now surged to over 2,500, potentially nearing 3,000, indicating a pressing need for sustainable solutions. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s administration has introduced various measures to address homelessness, including establishing a crisis unit that collaborates with different stakeholders to respond effectively to changing conditions.
While these steps are promising, advocates emphasize that meaningful change hinges on providing swift access to permanent housing rather than solely expanding temporary emergency accommodations during severe weather conditions.
