Montreal – In a significant shift in policy, the City of Montreal announced , a new approach to addressing homelessness, one that includes tolerating some homeless encampments rather than routinely dismantling them. The move, unveiled by Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, acknowledges the trauma caused by forced displacement and the limited effectiveness of previous strategies.
The new protocol establishes what officials are calling “tolerance zones” on city-owned land. These zones will permit encampments to exist, provided they adhere to specific safety regulations. The decision comes after consultations and draws inspiration from similar, more established rules already in place in the neighboring city of Longueuil, Quebec.
“Dismantling as we have seen in the past does not work,” Mayor Martinez Ferrada stated. “You are not creating a path or a road map out of homelessness.” The mayor emphasized that encampments are not considered a long-term solution, but acknowledged the urgent need for a more humane and effective response to the growing crisis.
The change in approach reflects a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding homelessness and the limitations of purely punitive measures. For years, cities across North America and Europe have grappled with the challenge of balancing the needs of unhoused populations with the concerns of residents and businesses. Montreal’s new policy attempts to strike that balance, prioritizing dignity and respect while also addressing public safety concerns.
According to the new framework, the city will relocate encampments only in cases of security or nuisance issues. This represents a departure from the previous practice of widespread dismantling, which often resulted in the dispersal of individuals without providing adequate alternative housing or support services. The city acknowledges that building transitional housing and emergency shelters is a time-consuming process, and the tolerance zones are intended to provide a temporary measure while more sustainable solutions are developed.
“We have a humanitarian crisis on our hands, we must be tolerant, but we must be tolerant within a framework that also respects the real security issues of local residents,” Martinez Ferrada explained. “We need to give ourselves time to resolve an issue for which we have no magic wand.”
The announcement of the new protocol was made jointly with Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier, highlighting a regional effort to address homelessness. Fournier noted that Longueuil has been informally applying a similar approach for several years, and that formalizing the guidelines will promote transparency and build trust between the city, unhoused individuals, and the wider community.
“Making these guidelines public is essential: it allows everyone to know the rules and roles of each party, builds trust, and promotes harmonious coexistence,” Fournier said.
The implementation of the new policy will involve centralized monitoring of encampments to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Details regarding the specific regulations and the process for establishing tolerance zones are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The city has not yet specified the number or location of these zones, but officials have indicated that they will be strategically located to minimize disruption to residents and businesses.
The move has been welcomed by some advocacy groups working with the homeless population, who have long argued that dismantling encampments is a cruel and ineffective response to the crisis. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on public safety and the quality of life in affected neighborhoods. The city is attempting to address these concerns by emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and addressing any security issues that may arise.
The situation in Montreal reflects a broader trend of cities re-evaluating their approaches to homelessness in the face of rising housing costs, economic inequality, and a lack of affordable housing options. The challenge is particularly acute in major urban centers, where the demand for social services often outstrips the available resources. Montreal’s new policy represents an attempt to navigate these complex challenges and provide a more humane and sustainable response to the needs of its unhoused population.
The city’s approach will be closely watched by other municipalities grappling with similar issues. Whether the tolerance zone model proves successful will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of adequate support services, the cooperation of local residents, and the city’s ability to effectively manage any potential safety concerns. The long-term goal, according to Mayor Martinez Ferrada, remains to get people out of the camps and into stable housing, but she acknowledges that this will require a sustained and concerted effort.
