Tensions are rising between Montreal's residents and unhoused people. Is cohabitation possible?

A controversial homeless shelter located just steps from an elementary school in Montreal's Saint-Henri neighbourhood is underscoring the problems with social cohabitation in multiple communities across the city. 

Maison Benoît Labre has drawn the ire of parents and local residents, who say the facility has been harming the character of the high-traffic, eclectic neighbourhood since opening in April across the street from the Atwater Market. 

They say they've witnessed open drug use, aggressive behaviour and sexual conduct from frequenters of the day centre, including when children are around. The back door of the centre borders a park used by Victor-Rousselot elementary school. 

Last week, the Quebec government agreed to Montreal's request to relocate some of the day services offered at the shelter "to a more suitable location," after months of the city defending the facility. 

So what makes a neighbourhood "suitable" for resources to help vulnerable populations dealing with chronic homelessness or addiction? And can residents of those neighbourhoods — and the people who use those resources — coexist peacefully?

Sam Watts, CEO of Montreal's Welcome Hall Mission in the Saint-Henri neighbourhood, says he understands parents' concerns about Benoît Labre. He says cohabitation between users of resources and neighbouring residents can be done successfully, but it hinges on multiple factors.

"What we need to do in all of our facilities … is make very sure that the right service is being delivered in the right way, by the right people, in the right place," he said. 

That includes having facilities run by professionally qualified people and resources located in buildings where everyone in the surrounding area is aware of what is being offered. He says managing those facilities in ways that promote good neighbour relationships, like open communication with residents, is key.

"When an incident occurs … make sure that you go out there and talk to people and you manage the situation." he said, pointing to the Maison du Père men's shelter on René-Lévesque Boulevard as a good example of this. "If you just simply [let] things go, then a narrative develops. And it's not always the right narrative."

Last month, in response to the worsening homelessness situation and a rise in complaints from residents near resources for homeless people, the city announced it will be holding public consultations to get input on how to cohabitate peacefully. 

One of the main objectives, it said, will be to identify best practices and initiatives to support vulnerable people and promote social cohabitation when setting up new resources and services, especially in boroughs that are not used to this reality.

Marie-Andrée Painchaud-Mathieu, co-ordinator of Regroupement intersectoriel des organismes communautaires de Montréal (RIOCM), says for cohabitation to be successful, vulnerable people must have their basic needs met, including better access to health care and, above all, housing.

On Wednesday, Montreal announced it was planning to build 60 modular housing units by March 2025 to provide temporary accommodation for unhoused Montrealers waiting for social housing.

Although the locations of the units have not yet been decided, social acceptability is already a concern, with the city promising to hold discussions with residents to ensure that the project is integrated smoothly.