Steps from city hall, Montreal opens an emergency warming centre — filled with chairs
As the cold winter days approach, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has announced the opening of a new warming centre for homeless individuals to seek refuge from the harsh weather conditions. The newly renovated space, located in the historic Lucien-Saulnier building in Old Montreal, is a modest setup consisting of two rooms furnished with plastic Muskoka chairs. There is also a designated area where individuals can enjoy a warm meal or beverage.
Acknowledging that this facility is not a perfect solution, Mayor Plante emphasized the humanitarian importance of providing a safe space for those without shelter during the winter months. The warming centre can accommodate up to 30 people, with separate sections for men and women.
Derek Wilkie, a homeless individual, expressed his struggles in finding a bed in overcrowded shelters, highlighting the need for more permanent housing solutions. The recent tragic death of a man found outdoors in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district underscores the urgency of addressing the homelessness crisis in Montreal.
With temperatures expected to plummet to -17 C and -20 C in the coming nights, the warming centre offers a vital alternative to sleeping on the streets. Mayor Plante has called on the Quebec government to take more proactive measures in addressing the root causes of homelessness, particularly the lack of affordable housing.
The Ville-Marie borough has funded the $20,000 renovation of the warming centre, with support from the fire department and city social intervention team. Despite this initial investment, Mayor Plante anticipates provincial funding to cover ongoing operational costs, following the recent allocation of federal funds.
In addition to the Lucien-Saulnier building, two other emergency warming shelters will be opened at the downtown YMCA and Université du Québec à Montréal to accommodate individuals during the extreme cold weather conditions.
However, some shelter organizations, such as Welcome Hall Mission, have expressed concerns about the temporary nature of warming centres and the need for more sustainable housing solutions. CEO Samuel Watts emphasized the importance of quick access to permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
As Montreal prepares to navigate the challenges of winter, Mayor Plante remains committed to providing essential support for vulnerable populations and continues to advocate for comprehensive solutions to combat homelessness in the city.
