Advocates say fence erected around vacant downtown lot puts homeless people in danger
A fence around a vacant lot might not seem like a big deal, but to Annisee Papialuk it’s locking her out of the place she’s called home for 18 years.
Homeless advocates say the fence on Park Avenue is putting homeless people in danger.
“It really hurt me, because that was our place,” Papialuk said Monday.
A few doors down at the Open Door shelter in downtown Montreal there is a wall of portraits in memory of homeless people who’ve died, including Kitty Kakkinerk , who was struck by a car last summer.
There’s another photo of her in John Tessier's office. The clinical coordinator at Open Door shelter says she spent much of her time at that lot, which is now partially blocked by a fence since last year.
He says Kakkinerk was trying to flee an abuser and because she couldn’t get through the fence, she ran into the road and was hit by a truck and died.
“People who were used to hanging out in the lot, closer to the building, away from the street, really minding their own business for the most part, were pushed right next to the sidewalk, close to the street, and also with cars passing by,” said Tessier.
Now, he’s shocked to see that a fence has gone up blocking the entire property.
“The only place they can sit now is on the sidewalk or in the street. Absolutely, there is going to be another tragedy here if something isn’t done about this,” he said.
The company that owns the lot would not confirm it put up the fence.
Meanwhile, the city says it wasn’t notified that the fence would be installed. Wherever it came from, advocates say it will put vulnerable people at risk.
“They don’t have a place, they are living in the street. It's so sad,” said the shelter’s Luisa Ochola.
Papialuk says she’ll be staying in the area, even if that means on the sidewalk.
“We’re all Inuit. This is our street. Even though they put cages like that, we’re still here no matter what,” she said. “We fight for our rights.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.