Montreal and Longueuil Shift to Tolerant Approach for Homeless Encampments
The cities of Montreal and Longueuil have announced significant changes to their policies regarding homeless encampments, moving away from dismantling camps and toward a more structured, tolerant approach. The new protocols, unveiled on February 20, 2026, by Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier, aim to provide basic services and establish designated tolerance zones for relocation when necessary.
New Protocol Emphasizes Safety and Services
Under Montreal's new protocol, the city will no longer automatically dismantle homeless encampments. Instead, relocation to newly established tolerance zones will only occur as a last resort if there are significant safety concerns for residents or unresolved cohabitation issues. The city's 19 boroughs will have the authority to set up these zones, determining the number of tents allowed while ensuring a minimum of three metres between each tent and any cooking equipment.
Mayor Martinez Ferrada emphasized the adaptive nature of the approach, stating, "Our response today will not be perfect, but it will be adaptive. Every part of the city has to contribute to the social net that we need to give." She expressed hope that tolerance zones would be established in each borough to support this effort.
Basic Services and Assessment Teams
To improve living conditions, Montreal will add basic services to certain encampment sites, including portable toilets, cleaning services, and storage options. A dedicated team will assess encampments from the moment they are reported to the city, evaluating factors such as living conditions, safety risks, and potential cohabitation problems.
A guide for encampment residents has been introduced, encouraging respect for neighborhoods, cleanliness, and adherence to spacing rules. Despite this more tolerant stance, Mayor Martinez Ferrada clarified that the city does not intend to perpetuate encampments long-term. Her administration has pledged to eliminate encampments within four years by helping individuals transition into housing, aiming to break the cycle of homelessness and avoid situations seen in cities like San Francisco or Vancouver.
Longueuil's Protocol and Collaborative Efforts
Longueuil has introduced its own protocol, which has been informally followed for two years. It sets specific parameters for tolerated encampments, including being at least 250 metres away from schools or daycares and limiting sites to no more than five tents. While Montreal's protocol does not include similar rules, the two cities collaborated on guidelines due to their proximity, though their approaches differ on certain points.
The need for clear protocols was highlighted by recent reports, including a city-commissioned study that recommended structured handling of encampments. The city's public consultation office also urged a halt to dismantling camps until a protocol was in place, reflecting advocacy concerns that such actions push vulnerable people further to the margins.
Background and Future Implications
Homeless encampments have become more prevalent in Montreal since the COVID-19 pandemic, with previous city policies focusing on dismantling due to safety risks. This often led to protests and court challenges. The new protocols represent a shift toward a more humane and systematic response, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions for homelessness in the region.
