Rats abound! Montreal's Parc-Ex residents frustrated at growing problem

A large rat feasts on leftover food scraps outside of the Burrard SkyTrain Station in Vancouver on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (Ethan Cairns, The Canadian Press)

Residents living in and around Montreal's Villeray-St-Michel-Parc-Extension borough say there's a rat problem, and that the City of Montreal is aware but not doing enough.

Posts on social media recently show rats on the streets and in the parks.

"How are we going to let our grandchildren play in our yard when there's rats outside in the area?" asked local city councillor Mary Deros. "We have six elementary schools in the area. How are these children going to go out? There's rampant rats running around in the day?"

Deros, who is in the opposition Ensemble Montreal party, said that the garbage piled up in alleyways lures the rats, as does food left out for other animals.

In the open square near the Parc Metro station, chunks of bread are often left out for animals, and people feed the birds despite numerous signs posted in the square warning of fines for feeding the birds.

"This is where people are feeding the birds and what the birds don't eat, the rats will come out and finish it," said Deros.

Ensemble Montreal passed a motion a year ago at a council meeting calling on the city to adopt a plan to control the rat population.

The party says action hasn't been taken on this issue.

Deros lives in Parc-Ex and said the rat problem is the top priority.

"We need more cleaning brigades. We need the garbage to be picked up more often," said Deros.

Montreal Public Health said people should stay away from rats and contact health services if you've been in contact with one.

"Rodent bites, urine and feces can cause illness. We recommend avoiding contact (direct or indirect) with rats or other rodents," a spokesperson said. "If you think you've been in contact with rats, or with objects or food contaminated by urine or droppings, call Info-Sante at 8-1-1."