Homeless encampment near elementary school in Longueuil causing concern
Mushrooms are deeply Residents are describing the situation as deplorable, with some referring to the homeless encampment as the diplomat campground. What started as one tent has ballooned into more than 30 in the span of just a month. The local church has been a Resource Center for people experiencing homelessness, but has been overburdened, in some cases forcing people into the neighboring residential streets. Many are staking their claim only meters away from a children's park and elementary school. With reports of open air drug use, physical fights and scenes of mental health crisis, the encampment has some parents and residents raising their concern with the city. I've seen people drunk in the street, this man says. They are more a danger to themselves than others. While I keep my distance, she says. I think it's a good educational opportunity. For the children, police have increased patrols in the area. Officers have had to intervene on occasion, leading to a handful of arrests. The city, for their part, recently adopted a policy promising not to dismantle encampments. The mayor of Longay, Catherine Fournier, says the situation is concerning, adding her team is working on finding possible solutions. The city is expected to announce an action plan to deal with the growing homeless encampment sometime next week. Raiden Jagger Haynes Global News. Long Gay.