In recent weeks, the Basse-Ville Répitre centre, which welcomes people experiencing homelessness in the basement of the Saint-Roch church, has experienced a significant increase in its traffic, worrying many residents of the area.
According to the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, which finances the centre’s activities, an average of 85 people have attended Repite Basse-Ville since it reopened on May 20. That number has risen to around 120 in recent weeks.
We’re told this is a greater increase in ridership than community organizations anticipated.
Furthermore, in Louberivier, general manager Eric Boulay agrees, confirming that demand has “been steadily increasing” in recent months.
A few days ago on the square in front of the Saint-Roch church, Newspaper In particular, he was able to observe a large number of people sitting on benches or on the steps leading to the church, while some were using hard drugs.
Glass pipes and flasks of distilled water used for drinking were also visible on the ground.
Consumption and violence
Given the increase in people experiencing homelessness in Quebec, residents and merchants in the Saint-Roch district believe that “better structured supervision” would allow for better “cohabitation.”
“I’m not normally a scared guy, but I’m careful when I go in or out of here. Consumption, along with mental health problems, means we don’t know who we’re dealing with,” says a resident of La Chancellière apartment, opposite Rapit Basse-Ville, who prefers to remain anonymous.
Garbage is often strewn in front of the entrance of La Chancellière apartments in the Saint-Roch district, leaving residents unhappy.
Photo provided by a Chancellor resident
Like him, other residents of these low-cost accommodations reserved for those aged 55 and above say they are anxious when they visit.
Three of them admit they have recently seen homeless people “smoking on fire escapes”, sleeping in corridors, or even relieving themselves.
Mayhem and mischief
They indicate that pranks, graffiti and mayhem are also observed on a “normal” basis.
Broken windows or doors are common, residents of La Chancellière lament. The Quebec City housing office, which manages the building, acknowledges that $10,000 has been spent since the beginning of the year to repair damage linked to the homelessness situation in the area.
Photo provided by a Chancellor resident
The Quebec Municipal Housing Office, which manages the building, also acknowledges that maintenance costs, linked to repairs following misdeeds, have already reached $10,000 since the beginning of the year.
Spokesperson Marie-Christine Lamontagne says the number of complaints about problems involving homeless people has also increased, from 63 in 2023 to 112 since January alone.
Parishioners “self-exclude”
In the parish of Sainte-Marie de l’Incarnation, of which the Saint-Roch church is a part, it has also been claimed that parishioners have recently “self-excommunicated” from the place of worship.
“We would like this place to be attractive to everyone […] There are those who came, walked and crossed over and those who don’t do it anymore,” laments Nicolas Marcil, manager of the parish factory.
lack of funding
According to Olivier Martin, director of family and community support at the YMCA, one of the community organizations involved in the management of Rapport Basse-Ville, a lack of funds partly explains the “cohabitation issues.”
“In our ideal, we would be open day and night all year round. But currently, funds don’t allow that. Not with the employment conditions we want to offer,” says Mr Martin.
According to the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, the number of homeless people attending the Répitre Basse-Ville, located in the basement of the Saint-Roch church, has increased from 85 to 120 in recent weeks.
Alyssa Cloutier
Lower city relief
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.
In winter only, Repite Basse-Ville is open between 10pm and 6am.
six speakers and a security guard
During heatwaves, activities are relocated to the old Municipal Offices at 399, Rue Saint-Joseph East in the city centre, where air conditioning is available. The service is also open at night between 10pm and 6am.