Concerned citizens gather at Jarry Park to address voyeurism at public pool

A group of concerned citizens gathered at Jarry Park on Saturday to raise awareness about voyeurism at the public swimming pool.

The gathering comes after a growing number of reports from women feeling unsafe due to inappropriate behaviour, which include men “ogling” women in bathing suits with some even taking pictures.

CTV News first reported the story on June 27 after users on Reddit brought attention to the issue.

Among those leading the charge is Mandana Javan, who was distributing flyers urging people to speak out against such behaviour.

“They don’t think about the consequences of this small gesture that they can just see for two seconds but the effect can be enormous, especially on women,” said Javan.

• READ MORE: Montreal police to enhance Jarry Park patrols after women report voyeurism cases

The flyers provide resources for women, as well as teaching others the importance of respecting boundaries.

“I think twice about coming to swim here,” said one woman who spoke with CTV News.

Another recalled an experience last year when men on benches stared at her as she walked through the park.

“It made me feel uncomfortable,” she said.

Guillaume Barnabe, another demonstrator at the event, said men should also speak out if they see this kind of behaviour.

“You should act up. You should say something. You shouldn’t stand on the side and just wait for it to happen,” he said.

In response, Montreal police have increased patrols near the pool. The SPVM says it is closely monitoring the situation.

The borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension told CTV News that the head of its sports division is spending a part of the day at the park to talk with demonstrators.