The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has closed part of the Joliette subway station for “security reasons,” a decision that has been denounced by organizations that see it as hostile to homeless people.
In recent days, wire mesh barriers have appeared at the southern entrance to Joliette station, which is on the green metro line in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district.
The new fenced enclosure, with a padlocked door, blocked access to a large portion of the building's interior, where there is a row of five benches.
PHOTO OLIVIER FAUCHER
“Over the past few weeks, we have become aware of objects being thrown at people and employees on the stairs at this location,” STM spokesperson Isabelle Alice Tremblay said via email. The additional metal protection is intended to avoid any risk of injury to both customers and employees.”
The STM did not provide any further information about these events, particularly about the people who threw these objects.
However, Ms Tremblay clarifies that this measure is “temporary” and that the STM “wants to find a more permanent solution to increase the feeling of security and flexibility of travel”.
“To us it seems to be a hostile action towards homeless people who find shelter in these places. “It concerns us to see this trend of displacement of people,” criticized Annie Savage, director of the Support Network for Single and Homeless People of Montreal (RAPSIM).
PHOTO OLIVIER FAUCHER
“problem corner”
“It’s a problem area. There were attacks on customers and employees,” said an employee at the Joliette station.
Philippe, a homeless man who has been begging in the train station for ten years, claims that the opening of an emergency shelter on Rue de Chambly last year has increased the number of homeless people in the area. Edicule.
“There were a lot of people standing up there drinking and using,” he said.
“Since the pandemic, there have been more homeless people in Joliette station,” confirms Alexandre Paradis, founder of the organization SOS itinérance, which is located just a few hundred meters from the station.
Not enough warm places
Several organizations consulted by Le Journal that work with traveling customers strongly condemned this new installation.
“The STM is part of a service offering financed from our public funds,” criticized Ms. Savage. You can’t just put up barriers under the pretext of safety, especially in these cold times when there aren’t enough places for people to warm themselves.”
Alexandre Paradis reports that a man who visits his organization often sits in the fenced area to play the violin.
“He finds it boring because he’s being chased away,” he said.