Unlike Montreal and Quebec, the city of Longueuil will continue to tolerate homeless camps on its territory, Mayor Catherine Fournier announced Monday.
Published at 12:00 p.m.
“Of course it concerns us, of course I also see all the citizens of Longueuil who think that it doesn't make sense. I share this opinion. But at the same time there are people for whom it is a choice to live in these camps or they are rejected [dans les refuges] » the elected official said at a press conference.
The community's shelters are not necessarily sufficient to accommodate the fifteen people currently living in tents, making dismantling counterproductive. Longueuil estimates there are between 200 and 1,000 homeless people.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, LA PRESS ARCHIVE
Catherine Fournier
“We believe that if we are not able to accommodate homeless people, we cannot dismantle the camps,” Ms. Fournier said. We prefer support. » However, the mayor clarified that certain tents could be moved or dismantled in the event of an “attack on public safety.”
According to Ms Fournier, Longueuil would need a court order to dismantle a camp.
Moving from an animal shelter
The mayor of Longueuil presented on Monday the city's action plan to combat homelessness.
The first challenge to be overcome: the relocation of theHalte du Coin, an accommodation with around 25 places installed in a church in Vieux-Longueuil, where a renovation project is scheduled to begin in May. The city is still looking for a location for this organization.
In the medium term, Longueuil also wants to set up a pilot project on homelessness in its libraries and ensure continued funding for its training program for police officers.
In addition, Ms Fournier also expressed the wish to welcome a supervised drug consumption facility in her territory, provided it was mobile (e.g. in an adapted bus).
“It's about balance. It is certain that our main concern in this area will be acceptance and social coexistence,” said the mayor.