In Montreal’s Saint-Henri neighborhood, a crowd of over 100 merchants and residents gathered on Tuesday evening to demand the relocation of the Maison Benoît Labre supervised consumption site. Protesters expressed growing safety concerns in the area, with organizer Herman Alves highlighting incidents of robbery and emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Another organizer, Mario Napolitano, stressed the need for officials to act promptly, directing a message to Mayor Soraya about the necessity for better solutions. Concurrently, outside the Lionel-Groulx metro station, a group of hundreds stood in solidarity with Maison Benoît Labre, arguing that the issues raised by the protesters are interconnected with broader challenges of homelessness and addiction.
One of the counter-protest organizers, Alex Berthelot, emphasized the systemic nature of these issues, noting that individuals in dire circumstances are not solely impacted by the supervised consumption site but by larger societal challenges. Former client Alejandro voiced support for the facility, underscoring the importance of providing a place for those who are struggling and may be misunderstood.
As tensions escalated, police intervened to maintain order between the opposing groups. The dispute surrounding Maison Benoît Labre, operating within a restricted zone since 2024, has been ongoing. According to Quebec regulations, the facility must relocate by 2029 due to its proximity to schools and daycares.
Despite facing criticism, Maison Benoît Labre disclosed that it denies services to half of those seeking help, indicating the overwhelming demand for support in the community. The organization stressed the need for enhanced resources in housing, healthcare, and long-term care across Montreal.
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, advocating for increased resources to address homelessness, addressed the situation following the protest, emphasizing the importance of balancing community safety with aiding vulnerable populations. Napolitano urged the mayor to heed the voices of residents and merchants, emphasizing the responsibility to act on behalf of those who elected her.
