Housing project for former inmates sparks controversy in Montreal's east end | CBC News

Residents in Montreal’s Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough are pushing back against plans to build an apartment building to house former inmates — with more than 100 people signing a petition opposing the development on Notre-Dame Street East.

David Crowley, one of the petitioners, has been living across the street from the site of the future housing project in the Tétreaultville neighbourhood since 2018, with his wife and two children. 

“We feel powerless,” he said.

“We’re not important. We have no say about it, we have no discussion about it.”

Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with the 18 units intended for individuals who have previously served time in prison.

Bâtir son quartier, a community-based real estate developer working on the project, told CBC in an email that the development is not a transitional housing facility and will be built on a long-vacant lot. 

But Crowley remains concerned about the impact of the development on the surrounding area, which he says was long a residential area with families and schools.

He says in recent years, the neighbourhood has faced increasing challenges and worries the new project could make things worse.

“It’s really something that will be bringing more challenges in the area …. Do we want to put that kind of pressure around the neighbours?” he asked.

While Crowley believes it is a “good project,” he questions whether the location is suitable. 

His concerns are reflected in the petition he signed, which asks, among other things, for the suspension of any final authorization, a “real” public consultation, and an independent analysis of the potential impacts on the neighbourhood. 

“The very idea that our young children and families might live near an environment with potentially disruptive influences worries us greatly,” reads the petition.

Project leaders outline safeguards, address concerns

The initiative is being led by the John Howard Society of Quebec, a non-profit that supports people involved in the criminal justice system. 

In a letter sent to the borough and reviewed by CBC, the group explained that the future building will aim to provide temporary housing and psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals who have been incarcerated.

“This support is provided with the aim of promoting stabilization, personal responsibility, social reintegration and access to stable housing,” wrote Samira Figuigui, the organization’s general director. 

“The organization fully shares your concern regarding the project’s harmonious integration into its host community, as well as maintaining a healthy, safe, and sustainable coexistence with the neighbourhood.”

As part of the measures outlined in its letter, the group assured the borough that the facility would not accept tenants with: 

• A history of sexual offences or violence against children.
• Individuals whose level of independence is insufficient, particularly due to serious mental health issues that require continuous medical or specialized care. 
• People with substance use issues who refuse support or do not have the required sobriety.

The organization explained it would provide on-site staff presence during specific hours, individualized support, and communication with the borough and the neighbours. 

In an email, the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough declined an interview at the moment, saying the developer and the non-profit “first have important work to carry out with members of the public, particularly those living near the project.”

Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2027.