The City of Montreal, along with Montreal police (SPVM) and the public transit agency (STM), announced new temporary measures for certain Metro stations across the city to enhance security and address public safety concerns.
The measures respond to a sharp increase in the number of people with substance abuse and mental health problems using the STM network.
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, officials said that certain “high tension” areas in nine Metro stations will be reduced using partitions and fencing, while four access points will be closed off.
The measures are expected to be in place until April 30.
The STM said that the presence of criminal groups, gatherings, drugs and issues with cleanliness have been identified at the targeted stations. The transit agency added that the space reduction will help concentrate resources regarding security and cleanliness in smaller areas to improve operations.
It noted that this measure will not affect normal passenger flow.
“The STM’s primary role is to transport people and maintain a safe, functional transit network for everyone. The measures being announced today are difficult—heartbreaking, even—but they are necessary,” said Mayor Valérie Plante during the press conference.
“We are not taking this lightly. When the STM presented its plan to us, we had to listen—because, once again, the safety of both transit users and workers is something we must take seriously. It is absolutely essential.”
The mayor added that STM employees have been forced to clean up human waste, urine and contaminated syringes. Moreover, she said the crisis has also impacted businesses in the Metro network.
“Beyond the measures the STM is introducing, we need a broader, long-term approach to effectively address this crisis. I want to emphasize that. As you know, when we talk about a national plan to respond to rising homelessness and vulnerability, today’s situation is a clear example,” the mayor continued.
STM to crack down on loitering
The STM’s board of directors has also adopted a temporary requirement for individuals to keep moving within the network, providing special constables with an additional tool to intervene in certain situations.
The agency explained that the measure aims to prevent incidents from escalating and facilitate interventions in social instability but stressed that it will not be enforced systematically.
Increased police presence in Montreal transit network
The SPVM said it had added security measures since Feb. 7 by increasing police presence in downtown Metro stations and enhancing surveillance around stations dealing with drug trafficking issues.
Additional officers have provided security until stations close to support the STM special constables.
The force has also deployed additional officers from the Specialized Support and Intervention Unit to strengthen police presence in targeted locations.
Extending the operation of two warming centres
The City of Montreal also announced that it would be keeping its two warming centres in Lucien-Saulnier and Saint-Laurent open until the end of April.
“What I want to tell you is that, once again, these are not decisions that are not taken lightly, because the STM is an extremely caring organization,” Plante said.
“And all the people here at this table share the same concern to support this compassion, to be able to guide vulnerable people towards the right services. At the same time, we’re very realistic. We know that the problem extends beyond the Metro system and beyond the city.”
With files from The Canadian Press and CTV News Montreal’s Angela Mackenzie
