Montreal creates tolerance zones, won’t dismantle homeless encampments

By Canadian Press on February 20, 2026.

MONTREAL — The City of Montreal is changing the way it deals with homeless encampments by moving away from dismantling operations condemned by advocates.

Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada says dismantling operations are often traumatic for the vulnerable inhabitants and often result in tents moving to another area.

The city says its new policy creates so-called tolerance zones on city-owned land, where encampments would be permitted if they meet certain safety rules.

And instead of dismantling it, the city says it would relocate a camp in the event of a security or nuisance issue.

Montreal’s new plan takes some inspiration from more elaborate rules in Longueuil, just south of the city, where encampments are limited to five tents and prohibited from being within 250 metres of a school, daycare, senior’s residence or women’s shelter.

Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier, who was on hand for today’s announcement, says visible and more organized tent cities are a new reality.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2026.

Pierre Saint-Arnaud, The Canadian Press