Montreal shopping mall playing ‘Baby Shark’ song to prevent unhoused from loitering

Controversy Surrounds the Use of “Baby Shark” Song to Deter Unhoused Individuals in Montreal

A shopping mall and office complex in downtown Montreal has come under fire for its use of the popular children’s song “Baby Shark” to discourage unhoused individuals from loitering in its emergency exit stairwells. The catchy tune, which has garnered millions of views online, was being played on loop at various speeds from speakers in at least one stairwell at Complexe Desjardins.

The complex, owned by financial services company Desjardins, has been using the music for a year to address security concerns related to homelessness, according to spokesperson Jean-Benoît Turcotti. While the company claims to have seen improvements in the situation, critics argue that the tactic is inhumane and ineffective in addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, a nonprofit organization that supports homeless individuals, condemned the use of the song as “cruel and unusual.” He emphasized that simply displacing the issue to another location does not solve the underlying problems faced by vulnerable populations.

Turcotti defended the use of “Baby Shark” by stating that the complex has hired social workers to engage with homeless individuals and provide support rather than coercion. However, advocates like David Chapman of Resilience Montreal argue that the issue stems from a lack of shelter options and support services for unhoused people in the city.

The practice of using music to deter homeless individuals is not unique to Montreal, with similar incidents reported in other cities like Nanaimo, B.C., and West Palm Beach, Florida. This tactic, along with the implementation of “anti-homeless design” in public spaces, reflects a broader trend of addressing homelessness through exclusion rather than comprehensive solutions.

The use of “Baby Shark” at Complexe Desjardins has sparked a debate on the ethical treatment of unhoused individuals and the need for more compassionate and sustainable approaches to addressing homelessness in urban environments.

This article was adapted from a report by The Canadian Press, originally published on November 28, 2024.