Parks Canada cancels camping event in Montreal amid criticism over homeless population

Parks Canada’s decision to hold a series of events dubbed learn-to-camp in the heart of Montreal is facing backlash after groups working with people without a home said they represent a double standard.

The events, scheduled throughout the summer, are described as an opportunity to learn basic camping skills for the price of $108.75 per tent along the Lachine canal in the city’s west end.

John Tessier, a community advocate who works with Montreal’s vulnerable populations, says the initiative is hypocritical because the city’s authorities frequently dismantle encampments for the homeless erected on public land.

“Cancel the event until you build equity with the vulnerable,” said Tessier. “I mean, why are people that have, allowed to use it? But the people who have not, are not allowed to use it?

“It may be fun for you to do it for a night or a weekend. Try doing it all month while the people who are walking by you are demeaning you and condescending you, while the government that’s supposed to be there to help you and to serve you is trying to do everything they can to make it more difficult for you. It becomes not fun. Real quick.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante commented on encampments earlier this year saying in part: “Public space is for everyone. It’s not a place where you should camp, where you should sleep.”

Plante at the time added that it is an issue of dignity and safety.

WATCH: Parks Canada’s “Learn to Camp” promotional video

“Dignity and safety must come pretty cheap because for $108, all of a sudden it becomes dignified and safe to camp by the water,” said Tessier.

Parks Canada issued a statement on its website cancelling the first event this weekend without providing a reason for the move, but the same events scheduled for July 23, Aug. 13, 20, and 27 are still open for registration.

Parks Canada acknowledges backlash

In a separate statement to CityNews, Parks Canada acknowledged the program received some backlash from advocates.

“Some community groups expressed concern that this event showed insensitivity to people in Montreal who may be experiencing homelessness,” read the statement. “Late last week, Parks Canada engaged in dialogue with some of the stakeholders who had expressed concern and ultimately chose to cancel the previously scheduled event.

“Providing access to programs like Learn-to Camp in urban locations like the Lachine Canal in Montreal helps to improve access to nature and makes the safe enjoyment of the health and wellness benefits of the outdoors accessible for more Canadians.

“Parks Canada does not offer regular camping along the Lachine Canal. Learn-to Camp is a special event delivered from time to time to individuals and families in the Montreal area and in other cities who would like to learn the skills to safely enjoy Canada’s natural heritage. Offering the program in urban areas helps to reach Canadians who might otherwise not have the opportunity to learn to enjoy camping, paddling, hiking or other outdoor experiences.”

Focus should be on low-cost housing: advocate

David Chapman, the executive director at Resilience Montreal, says the entire situation is backwards.

“If anything, it should be the other way around that the people who are unhoused are encouraged to use the empty space which is along the canal,” said Chapman. “And the people that are housed normally would remain in their homes.”

Chapman says rather than the government facilitating a camping experience, they need to focus on low-cost housing.

“Low-cost housing needs to be more of a priority than it has been,” he said. “And and when governments make it more of a priority, you will have less people camping out in little forested areas.”

NOTE: The statement from Parks Canada was included in this article but was not received by broadcast deadline.