On a crisp Sunday afternoon, the streets of Montreal’s St-Henri borough played host to an unconventional demonstration. Around 40 individuals linked hands, forming a symbolic human chain to represent the disconcerting proximity between a local primary school and the site of a planned safe-use drug facility.
A 36-apartment building has been earmarked for this drug facility, yet its doors remain shut. The establishment is intended to provide a haven for mental health sufferers, be they homeless or dealing with substance abuse issues. Its design includes a safe area for controlled drug use on the ground floor.
However, the parents of Victor-Rousselot Elementary School pupils have expressed their disquiet and have been vehemently opposing the development for several weeks. Their concern does not lie with the intention behind the project, which many are supportive of. They contest, however, the building’s location which sits uncomfortably close to the school premises.
Situated less than 100 metres from the elementary school, the drug facility will be in close proximity to roughly 300 students, aged from kindergarten to sixth grade. Matthew Szostak, a parent and one of many protestors gathering on Sunday, voiced his apprehension to news network CTV, “I’m just a bit concerned that this structure, this project, will change the neighbourhood dynamics and the safety for my kids.”
Residents have previously had a meeting with representatives from the Benedict Labre House, the charitable organisation spearheading this initiative. Nonetheless, many departed that meeting harbouring lingering concerns. Jane Wightman, a local resident, criticized the manner with which matters have been handled. “This is terrible. We must unite as a group,” she stated.
Still under construction, the drug facility is scheduled for a November inauguration. Parents and neighbouring residents are rallying to see the project relocated and have enlisted legal help to support their advocacy. However, they decry that negotiations have come to a complete standstill. Chantal Gagnon, another parent pointed out “There’s no conversation, no dialogue at the moment. In all likelihood, the next step will be an injunction.”
Despite mounting opposition, the Benedict Labre House remains confident that the project will proceed as scheduled, ultimately providing a life-saving service. The charitable organisation has not yet responded to numerous requests for dialogue on that particular Sunday.
