As winter temperatures drop in Montreal, many homeless individuals seek warmth in fast food restaurants, leading to tensions between them, staff, and customers. Incidents of confrontation are becoming common, prompting some establishments to limit access. Individuals like Jimmy-Lee and Ahmed rely on these spaces for shelter, but face increasing hostility and security measures. With shelters full, advocacy groups express concern over city policies pushing the homeless further into the cold, while the city seeks more funding to address the crisis.
Refuges Amidst the Cold: The Situation of the Homeless in Montreal
As temperatures drop, many homeless individuals in Montreal are increasingly finding solace in fast food establishments located near metro stations. This trend has led to daily confrontations, creating an atmosphere of unease, as reported by employees and patrons. A worker from the McDonald’s on Sainte-Catherine Street, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, shared, “It frightens both customers and staff. Just a month ago, one of my coworkers was bitten on the hand.” He added that during extreme cold spells, the restaurant sometimes accommodates as many as 15 homeless individuals at a time. To mitigate disturbances, this 24-hour McDonald’s has opted to close its dining area at 5 PM; however, it frequently faces temporary shutdowns due to incidents involving patrons. On a recent visit, two homeless individuals were observed at the back of the restaurant, one appearing to doze while standing. A manager was heard shouting, “You need to leave this place!” as he urged them to exit.
A Struggle for Shelter: Voices from the Streets
Jimmy-Lee Soos, who has been living on the streets for four years, often seeks refuge in fast food restaurants. During the day, he typically stays at Berri-UQAM station, but when the metro closes, the McDonald’s on Saint-Denis Street offers him his only warm shelter for the night. Unfortunately, he notes that his presence is becoming increasingly unwelcome. “They hired a security guard who makes life difficult for everyone. We have no alternative except to find a spot in a snowbank,” he expresses his frustration. Jimmy-Lee is not alone in his plight; he shares the space with others seeking warmth. “Every morning, I deal with broken pipes. The police visit weekly, and unpleasant odors drive customers away,” shares an employee of the restaurant. This challenging coexistence also affects delivery workers like Alex, who noted, “On frigid days, it’s common to find five or six homeless people inside, sorting through their belongings and rummaging in the trash.”
For Ahmed, a six-year veteran of street life, finding shelter in a restaurant is essential for survival. “To avoid being outdoors at all costs, we try to stay in the restaurant throughout the night until the metro reopens. My life revolves around these two locations,” he revealed. With more homeless individuals seeking refuge in downtown businesses, the Network for the Assistance of Lonely and Homeless People in Montreal (RAPSIM) expresses concern about potential crackdowns from authorities. “Currently, we are witnessing a city that continues to push people outside, dismantling encampments, while existing shelters are operating at full capacity,” laments Annie Savage, the director of RAPSIM. Meanwhile, the City of Montreal is seeking additional funding from the Quebec government, while the SPVM has not provided further information on the matter. McDonald’s Canada has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation.