MONTREAL — The City of Montreal announced a significant shift in its strategy to address homelessness on Friday, introducing 'tolerance zones' for encampments on public land as an alternative to routine evictions. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada described the new protocol as a compassionate response to a growing humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that previous methods of dismantling camps have proven ineffective and often exacerbate the plight of vulnerable residents.
Under the updated policy, certain areas on city-owned property will be designated as tolerance zones where homeless encampments can exist provided they adhere to specific safety and hygiene standards. This approach aims to balance the rights of those experiencing homelessness with the concerns of nearby communities, according to city officials. Martinez Ferrada, speaking at a press conference, stressed the limitations of quick fixes in tackling the root causes of the issue.
'Dismantling as we have seen in the past does not work,' Martinez Ferrada said. 'You are not creating a path or a road map out of homelessness.'
The mayor acknowledged that encampments are not an ideal or permanent solution but argued that abrupt removals frequently lead to trauma and merely relocate the problem without addressing underlying needs. The city's framework prioritizes dignity and respect, focusing on gradual relocation rather than immediate clearance in cases of security risks or public nuisances. For instance, if an encampment poses a threat or causes disturbances, authorities would move it to a designated tolerance zone instead of dispersing it entirely.
This policy comes amid rising concerns over homelessness in Montreal, where harsh winters and limited affordable housing have intensified the challenges faced by thousands of unhoused individuals. According to recent reports, the number of people living in encampments has surged in recent years, prompting debates over how best to respond. City data indicates that emergency shelters and transitional housing projects are underway, but construction timelines mean that immediate alternatives like tolerance zones are necessary in the interim.
Martinez Ferrada highlighted the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis during her remarks. 'We have a humanitarian crisis on our hands, we must be tolerant, but we must be tolerant within a framework that also respects the real security issues of local residents,' she said. She added that solving homelessness requires time and resources, without a 'magic wand' to resolve it overnight.
The initiative draws partial inspiration from policies in Longueuil, Quebec, a suburb on Montreal's South Shore. There, encampments are strictly regulated, limited to no more than five tents and barred from being within 250 meters of sensitive locations such as schools, daycares, seniors' residences, or women's shelters. Montreal's version adapts these ideas to its urban context, allowing for larger but regulated setups in tolerance zones to prevent sprawl into residential or commercial areas.
Local advocates for the homeless have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a step toward more humane treatment. However, some community leaders in affected neighborhoods expressed cautious optimism, seeking assurances that the zones will not become permanent fixtures near homes or businesses. One resident near a potential tolerance zone site, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that while empathy for the unhoused is important, 'we need to ensure our own safety isn't compromised.'
The policy's rollout is set to begin in the coming months, with the city identifying initial tolerance zones on underutilized public lands away from high-traffic areas. Officials said they will work with social services to provide on-site support, including access to mental health resources, addiction counseling, and job training programs. This integrated approach is intended to facilitate pathways out of encampments into stable housing.
Background on Montreal's homelessness efforts reveals a history of reactive measures. In previous years, the city has conducted multiple encampment clearances, often in coordination with provincial and federal funding for shelters. Yet, critics, including housing nonprofits, have long argued that these actions disrupt lives without offering viable alternatives, leading to cycles of displacement. A 2023 report from the Old Brewery Mission, a key shelter provider, estimated that over 3,000 people experience homelessness in Montreal annually, with encampments becoming more visible during economic downturns and the opioid crisis.
Martinez Ferrada's administration, which took office in late 2021, has prioritized social housing investments, allocating millions in budget for new units. The tolerance zones fit into this broader strategy, serving as a bridge while permanent solutions are built. 'Ultimately, we agree that the road map is to get people out of the camps,' the mayor stated. 'But building transitional housing and emergency shelters takes time.'
Provincial officials in Quebec have signaled support for innovative municipal approaches, with Housing Minister France Élizabeth D'Amours praising Montreal's focus on prevention over punishment. However, some conservative voices in the National Assembly have raised concerns about potential costs and public safety, calling for stricter enforcement. These differing perspectives underscore the political tensions surrounding homelessness policy in the province.
As Montreal implements the new protocol, monitoring will be key to its success. The city plans quarterly reviews to assess the zones' impact on both encampment residents and surrounding communities. Social workers embedded in the program will track progress toward housing placements, aiming for measurable reductions in street homelessness over the next two years.
Beyond immediate relief, the policy highlights ongoing debates about urban planning and social equity in Canadian cities. Similar tolerance or managed encampment models have been tested in Vancouver and Toronto, where they have shown mixed results—reducing evictions but straining resources. Experts suggest that federal involvement, through expanded funding under Canada's National Housing Strategy, could amplify Montreal's efforts.
Looking ahead, the tolerance zones represent a pragmatic acknowledgment of the crisis's scale. While not a panacea, they offer a framework for dialogue between the unhoused, service providers, and residents. As Martinez Ferrada put it, the goal is to foster tolerance within structure, paving the way for lasting solutions in a city grappling with inequality amid rapid growth.
This report by The Appleton Times draws on details from the city's announcement and related coverage. The policy's full guidelines are expected to be published on the City of Montreal's website in the coming weeks, providing further clarity on enforcement and support mechanisms.