A 45-year-old man became Montreal’s 22nd homicide victim after a stabbing in Viger Square early Sunday.
Police officers found the man lying on the ground on St. Denis St. just before 6 a.m. They determined he man was attacked with a sharp object.
He was brought to hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries.
There have been no arrests in the case. Police are at the scene carrying out their investigation and will look at security footage from nearby cameras.
Marie-Noelle Nadeau walks by the park every day on her way to work. She said she’s noticed the crowd there is getting bigger and younger, and so has the city.
Those who work with the homeless in Viger Square say it's gotten more dangerous since Place Emilie Gamelin got a makeover in the spring. Community workers say drug dealers and users pushed out of that space have ended up in Viger Square.
“We have a lot of violence because street gangs are there, we have a lot of prostitution too. Every day that we go there we see violence and intimidation,” said Andre Leroux, spokesperson for Accueil Bonneau.
There are fears the history will repeat itself – on Friday, Mayor Denis Coderre unveiled the final plans to redesign Viger Square. It’s set to close in November and reopen in the spring of 2017.
Many of the concrete walls and fencing will be removed to open up the space and install water fountains, public restrooms, a cafe and a bike repair shop. Also part of the plan is adding benches with armrests that will be difficult to sleep on.
Right now, several groups are working together to offer those who currently use the square help and resources, so that revitalizing Viger Square doesn't create problems.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen what happened to call Info Crime at 514-393-1933.
