Homeless advocates criticize STM closure of Atwater metro station entrance

The STM has closed the Cabot Square entrance to the Atwater metro, and advocates for Montreal’s homeless community are sounding the alarm as temperatures get colder.

This entrance on the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street West and Atwater Avenue typically represents a warmer space for people experiencing homelessness to escape the winter cold.

“The challenge is that if we want to resolve homelessness, we don’t do it by making vulnerable people more vulnerable,” said Sam Watts, the CEO and executive director of the Welcome Hall Mission.

“I think the STM needs to do a better job of working with those who are trying to resolve homelessness. Because if they were doing that, then I think we wouldn’t see the kinds of things and sort of the tone-deaf attitude that I’m picking up from them. I think we can do better than that.”

“We know that it’s during these months that is the most dangerous for people experiencing homelessness to be outside and they can die from the cold,” added Catherine Marcoux, a community organizer with Réseau d’aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal (RAPSIM). “It has happened in the past. It will probably happen this year.”

In a statement to CityNews, the STM says its decision to close the Cabot Square entrance will reduce drug use, intimidation, and mischief in the space, and that safety remains the transit authority’s main responsibility.

“I understand why it’s closed, and I’ve walked through many times and I don’t feel safe walking through this park and it’s a shame,” said Montrealer Maryssa Bizier-Stern.

“I wish they would put effort into rehousing if they really only care about their property. Care about the people who use your services.”

Marcoux believes the STM should keep the metro entrance open for everyone, including those looking to escape the cold.

“The reality is that this winter, people that are living outside will go knocking on the shelter’s door and it will be closed,” she said.

Marcoux adds public spaces in Montreal are becoming more difficult to access in a city where the homeless population appears to be growing.

“The libraries recently put up some rules, so people don’t smell in the library,” she said.

“People can’t go to the bathroom in universities anymore. In the parks, you can’t sleep there. So what we’re seeing right now is that the public spaces in Montreal are getting fewer and fewer.”

Rather than taking away a warm place for the homeless community, Watts suggests more focus should be placed on finding permanent housing solutions for those without a home.

“It’s not helpful to start closing areas where people are going to congregate,” he said. “It’s actually more helpful if you can give us the tools to help people get back into housing.

“We have been lacking the political courage and the coordination to be able to actually address the challenge.”