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Montreal Metro to Enforce Stricter Measures Amid Rising Concerns Over Safety

Transit officials in Montreal have announced increased police presence and stricter regulations against loitering in the metro system, citing growing public safety concerns. The decision comes in light of the metro network becoming a refuge for individuals facing homelessness, drug addiction, and mental health challenges.

During a press briefing, representatives from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) expressed their concern regarding an influx of vulnerable individuals using the metro system for warmth and shelter. As a response to this situation, STM plans to erect fences around specific areas in metro stations that have been identified as problematic gathering spots. Additionally, they will implement an “obligation of movement” policy that will be in effect until April 30.

Éric Alan Caldwell, who leads the STM board, highlighted the drastic increase in individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues within the stations. This has contributed to a heightened sense of insecurity for both passengers and employees, resulting in a notable rise in complaints related to safety, disruptive behavior, and drug use.

Although the metro has historically served as a gathering space for homeless individuals, Caldwell emphasized that the current state of affairs is no longer tenable. “The metro is not a shelter,” he stated. “It’s not a place that offers care.”

Marie-Claude Léonard, the CEO of STM, reported that employees and commuters are increasingly confronted with visible drug use, human waste, discarded syringes, and other forms of disruptive conduct. The lack of essential facilities, such as restrooms, construction hazards, and the electrified tracks further compromise the safety of individuals using the metro.

This announcement faced immediate backlash from city hall opposition members and advocates for the homeless, who underscored that those displaced from the metro would merely seek refuge in other public areas, potentially leading to tragic outcomes. Nakuset, the executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, remarked, “Nobody wants to help those that are most vulnerable. They just want to push them aside, and it’s disgusting; it’s heartbreaking.”

Benoit Langevin, Montreal’s opposition homelessness critic, acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns surrounding safety in the metro. However, he argued that the crackdown on loitering should be accompanied by additional resources and support for the vulnerable population. “If you arrive with a coercive approach, you need to have preventive measures in place,” he stated.

In conjunction with this enforcement plan, the City of Montreal announced the extension of operations for two warming centers for an additional month, providing temporary refuge for those without shelter. Mayor Valérie Plante recognized the full capacity of most shelters, deeming the decision to restrict metro access for vulnerable individuals as “heartbreaking.” Nonetheless, she maintained that the primary purpose of the transit system is to ensure safe transportation, mentioning that some riders have expressed apprehension about using the subway.

“We need to avoid a situation where users say, ‘I don’t want to take the metro anymore,’” Plante emphasized, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues before they escalate further.

Recent statistics from the transit authority reveal a drop in the number of individuals feeling secure while using the network, with that figure falling to 49 percent. Reports of incivilities and calls for special constable intervention have surged, alongside a noticeable uptick in naloxone distributions to counteract overdoses.

Alongside these immediate measures, the city is forming a new working group consisting of city officials, transit personnel, police, and healthcare professionals aimed at addressing the root causes of homelessness and substance abuse in the area. Plante stated that the city is pursuing several social housing projects and advocating for increased funding from the provincial government.

To further enhance rider safety, the transit agency plans to restrict access to nine designated metro stations identified as “tension points” due to cleanliness concerns and incidents of criminal activity and drug use. Local police have already ramped up patrols throughout the transit network, particularly during nighttime hours.

When questioned about how regulation enforcement would be implemented, Léonard clarified that actions would not be uniformly enforced but would target individuals exhibiting disruptive behavior that could compromise the safety of others. She added, “The goal is not to eliminate all vulnerable people, but to ensure a sense of security,” emphasizing that constables would continue to guide individuals towards available resources with a compassionate approach.

Source
globalnews.ca