Chinatown has a population of 2,500 and about half have signed a petition opposing the transformation of a heritage building on Côté Street into supervised housing for the homeless. “Even if we have only a thousand residents signing, not including the workers and the merchants, is still a very significant proportion,” said the Center for Research Action on Race Relations’ Fo Niemi, who is spearheading the campaign to reduce homelessness in Chinatown. The drive was launched last fall when word came that Montreal’s Old Brewery Mission wanted to buy the century-old S. Davis and Sons building, located between the old Wing factory and the Palais des Congrès, so it can provide apartments and shelters for the unhoused. In Chinatown, the community feels it’s already given enough by putting up with the presence of homeless people over the years. Many currently occupy spaces around the Guy-Favreau federal building, and side streets in the historic neighbourhood. “We are very concerned that this housing project will become a magnet for individuals with drug addiction and mental health problems and threatening behaviours,” said Bryant Chang of the Chinese Association of Montreal. The community says Montreal’s homeless population increased substantially in Chinatown in recent years. Leaving many long-time residents uncomfortable and scared. “You never know how they’re going to react. And this is the most scary,” said Christiane Jansen, a tenant at the Guy-Favreau complex. The Old Brewery Mission declined CTV’s request for an interview, but suggests it’s too soon to draw these kinds of conclusions. “We have begun collaborating with the [stakeholders] to shape a vision for the block around the building, one that supports the Chinatown community, contributes to its economic vitality, and honours its cultural heritage,” the mission explained in a statement. The Chinatown community, however, feels this project is being imposed from the outside without their input and against their wishes.
