Montreal transit agency to stop allowing unhoused people to use Metros for shelter
Montreal’s public transit network, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), has recently announced new measures to address security concerns within its Metro system. Beginning immediately, individuals will be required to circulate and not linger in the Metro stations until the weather warms up at the end of April. This decision comes after STM chair Éric Caldwell expressed alarm over the increasing issues of homelessness within the Metro, stating that it has become a refuge for the most vulnerable individuals who have fallen through the cracks of the social safety net.
To enforce these new policies, there will be an increased police presence across the STM network, as well as the closure of several areas where individuals tend to seek shelter. The aim is to discourage loitering, gatherings, criminal activities, and drug usage within the stations. Nine Metro stations have been identified as high-traffic areas, with four entrances being temporarily closed until April 30 to reduce public space and deter individuals from lingering.
Advocates for unhoused individuals have expressed concerns over the STM’s approach, stating that pushing the issue down the line to other agencies is not a sustainable solution. Annie Savage, the director of Réseau d’aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal (RAPSIM), emphasized the need for long- and short-term solutions to address the homelessness crisis in the city. She highlighted the overwhelming demand for resources and called on the province to invest in comprehensive support services.
In response to the STM’s measures, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced the prolongation of warming centers’ opening hours to provide alternative shelter options for those seeking warmth in the Metro. The city is also establishing a “co-ordination cell” to collaborate with the STM, Montreal police, and public health department to enhance support services for vulnerable individuals.
Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal called on Premier François Legault to take greater responsibility for addressing the public homelessness crisis. She stressed the importance of government intervention in providing social services and resolving the underlying issues contributing to homelessness. Provincial Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant noted the province’s commitment to funding homelessness services in Quebec, with a significant portion allocated to the City of Montreal.
While some political parties and advocacy groups have welcomed the STM’s initiatives, there are calls for additional measures to be implemented. Suggestions include hiring more special constables, increasing support for homelessness organizations, opening year-round 24-hour shelters, and creating mobile clinics for unhoused individuals and drug users. The goal is to prevent the escalation of issues observed in the Metro to other public spaces and address the root causes of homelessness in the city.
