In Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier explores the city amidst a polar vortex, highlighting the struggles of the homeless and the resilience of its residents. He encounters individuals like Denis Cardinal, who braves the cold while living on the streets, and Fannie Robillard, a mail carrier touting her winter boots. The narrative emphasizes the stark realities of winter survival and the diverse ways people cope with the extreme cold.
Montreal’s Cold Warriors: Stories from the Streets
In the vibrant city of Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier finds inspiration on the move, often running with his office packed into his backpack. He constantly seeks out intriguing stories and diverse individuals, turning his urban explorations into a captivating chronicle.
Recently, the announcement of a polar vortex sent shivers through the community, prompting many to stay indoors. However, for some, braving the harsh chill was unavoidable—whether for work or due to homelessness.
As noon approached and temperatures dipped to -14 degrees Celsius (feeling like -22 with the wind chill), the usually bustling homeless camp near the Maisonneuve market appeared deserted. Similarly, the sidewalks along Ontario Street were nearly empty of beggars, save for one solitary figure. Observing the city, our columnist noted that passersby resembled adventurers preparing for an expedition to the South Pole or leisurely enjoying a spring day.
Encounters in the Cold
Did the term “polar vortex” deter me from my run? Not quite—if anything, it made me overdress. After covering 2 kilometers, I found myself shedding a layer of wool to avoid overheating.
As I navigated the area, I checked in on the makeshift camps and tents of the homeless, only to find them eerily quiet. Had those living in such conditions managed to find warmth during these frigid days? One can only hope.
On Ontario Street, known for its frequent beggars, I finally met Denis Cardinal. He was perched on a recycling bin at a convenience store, sipping from a large can of Colt 45. I remarked, “You’re the only one out here!”
Denis, 56, shared, “I’m doing okay—I’ve got four layers of fleece under my coat, along with overalls, a toque, and gloves.” Having lived on the street for four years, he expressed concern about finding shelter when temperatures plummet to -30 degrees. Last night, he had to settle for a chair at a Hochelaga shelter due to a lack of available beds. His friend, Dany D’Amours, also bundled up, pays a friend for a place to sleep.
Winter Gear Wisdom
During my journey, I encountered mail carrier Fannie Robillard, who proudly showed off her Icebug boots. Although they were a pricey investment, she assured me they kept her feet warm and steady, avoiding any slips on the ice. Her enthusiasm made a compelling case for their quality!
A crossing guard I met also swore by her seal boots from Bilodeau, passionately advocating for their effectiveness. Clad in a bright yellow Kanuk Recco, she looked like a character straight out of a cartoon, exclaiming, “This was designed for Bernard Voyer’s expedition to the South Pole!”
The most remarkable individual I came across during my run was Mario Jacques Longpré, a spirited 75-year-old Montrealer who prefers to let his calves breathe. “I never wear pants,” he declared with pride, reminiscing about his 40 years of teaching elementary school in shorts, even during the winter. He recounted how he once wore a Chlorophylle coat to appease his wife but quickly returned it to his sister, claiming it made him too warm. He admitted to donning pants only when shoveling snow.
While the mail carrier and crossing guard nearly convinced me to invest in their high-end winter gear, Mr. Longpré’s frigid resilience provided a more economical perspective on braving the cold.