Chinatown residents at breaking point due to spike in crime and homelessness

Locals in Montreal’s Chinatown are expressing growing concerns over rampant drug use and volatile confrontations in the area, with some incidents even occurring near a daycare. Laurence Kayaleh, a resident, recently experienced a frightening encounter when intoxicated individuals surrounded her taxi, banging on the car and behaving erratically.

The situation has escalated since the closure of a temporary shelter for the unhoused in Complexe Guy-Favreau, with residents reporting increased tension and disturbances in the neighborhood. A small encampment near the building’s entrance has become a focal point for drug use and confrontations, leaving residents feeling besieged in their own homes.

Of particular concern is the proximity of these incidents to a daycare in the area, where educators have found drugs in the playground and witnessed disturbing behavior near the children. Parents dropping off their kids have also faced alarming situations, with one mother being chased by a man after exiting a metro station.

Community associations are calling for stricter enforcement of bylaws and improved lighting in the area to enhance safety. Business owners, however, are hesitant to speak out due to fears of retaliation. Bill Wong, a local business owner, emphasized the need for a better approach to address the complex issues of homelessness, drug addiction, and crime plaguing the neighborhood.

Despite efforts by the Montreal police to increase their presence and collaborate with the community, residents feel that the current situation is untenable. They are demanding action from all levels of government to address the escalating problems in Chinatown.

As concerns continue to mount, residents are left wondering how the situation deteriorated to this point and are calling for immediate intervention to restore safety and security in their community.