The city of Saint-Jérôme ordered the dismantling of a kiosk where a local resident who helped poor people donated coats and other winter supplies, a decision that was criticized by citizens.
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“It's really ridiculous. “The mayor is blocking people who want to help,” criticizes Yannick Perron.
For around two years, the Saint-Jérôme resident has been setting up a winter shelf on the grounds of his home where residents can donate clothing and accessories to keep warm, such as coats, mittens and sleeping bags.
Yannick Perron received three notices of municipal statute violations from the city of Saint-Jérôme asking him to dismantle his kiosk. PHOTO OLIVIER FAUCHER
“You’re cold, take it [sic]. You’re hot, give it,” was written above it
This kiosk particularly served the migrant population of Saint-Jérôme, which, like many Quebec cities, has increased significantly in recent years. According to a recent count by the Humanitarian Book organization, there are 108 people without a permanent address. Mr. Perron's land also borders a resource dedicated to homeless reintegration.
“There are a lot of people who it has helped. There are homeless people who have thanked me,” says Mr. Perron.
Tolerance ends
However, that initiative ended abruptly last week when Mr. Perron received three notices specifically pointing out the “presence of a sign” and the “storage of clothing” that were not permitted on his land. He had to dismantle his kiosk or face a fine of $900 a day.
The mercury reached temperatures of -20°C in the following days.
These developments come against a backdrop of tensions between the municipal sector of homeless assistance and the administration of the city of Saint-Jérôme and its mayor Marc Bourcier.
The city has systematically dismantled several homeless camps since its ban in 2022 and is currently having to defend this practice in the Quebec Supreme Court, while an organization accuses it of violating the fundamental rights of homeless people.
“Nonsense”
Stéphane Parent, a citizen who distributes food every week to the neediest in Saint-Jérôme with the Ligne de Front Laurentides group, is outraged by the forced dismantling of the kiosk.
“I denounce this loud and clear. It is humanitarian aid. If it was tolerated, who does it bother and what does it bother?
He says this kiosk was useful for both itinerant customers and low-income families.
“It's still good for us to have clothes. “I don't understand why the city keeps destroying everything,” protests Étienne Laroche, a 38-year-old homeless man. […] It’s a huge lack of respect.”
Étienne Laroche, who is homeless, condemns the city's decision. Photo Olivier Faucher
Several citizens want to raise the issue during question time at the Saint-Jérôme council meeting this evening.
“Several complaints,” the city says
“The removal of the facility was initially requested because it violated municipal regulations,” explained Marie-Ève Proulx, communications director for the city of Saint-Jérôme, via email. […] “The city has also received numerous complaints from neighbors regarding this installation, which is why a request has been made to the citizen to remove it,” she adds.
Ms Proulx argued that the installation was condoned “during the pandemic” as there was no clothing distribution service in the area at the time. “A clothing distribution service is now offered in La Hutte and Sainte-Paule Church, two locations close to the site of the installation,” she said.
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