The owner of building the city of Montreal planned to buy is now refusing to sell it to the city, but Mayor Valérie Plante’s office says negotiations are continuing.
The city of Montreal’s plan to move an emergency homeless shelter that’s about to lose its space in Verdun into a building in Ahuntsic is sunk, according to a real-estate agent acting for the building’s owner. However, Mayor Valérie Plante’s office insisted Thursday that negotiations with the owner are continuing.
“The seller doesn’t want to sell to the city anymore,” Denis Perreault, the real-estate broker mandated to sell the building on Bois-de-Boulogne Ave., told The Gazette Thursday. The property, known as the Centre Bois-de-Boulogne, is owned by the Fondation Gracia, which operated a palliative-care facility in the building until recently.
City council approved the purchase of the Bois-de-Boulogne building from the foundation in June. In the interim, the city planned to sign a four-month lease with the foundation starting Aug. 1 while the city carried out its due diligence to purchase the building. The city wanted to sublet the building to the Société de développement social (SDS), which manages a 24/7 homeless shelter that must vacate its temporary space on Gordon St. in Verdun on July 31.
However, sources have told The Gazette that the Fondation Gracia was not aware of the city’s planned use of the centre and has taken note of the neighbourhood’s opposition since the city’s plans for a 50-bed emergency homeless shelter in the building became known in June. Among other things, neighbours say they worry about intoxicated people and drug use outside the shelter.
“Nothing is signed with the city,” Perreault said, referring to a sales contract and lease.
He added that it’s not his place to speak for his client on its reasons for not wanting to sell or rent to the city. However, Perreault said it’s clear that the centre’s neighbours are opposed to the city’s plans.
Last week, about 175 residents attended a meeting organized by neighbours where they discussed possible legal action and a petition to force the city to hold a public consultation on the homeless shelter project.
The Fondation Gracia refused to comment on the situation.
A spokesperson for the mayor, however, said negotiations are continuing with the foundation.
“We are still in discussion with the Fondation Gracia for Bois-de-Boulogne,” spokesperson Marikym Gaudreault wrote in a text message Thursday.
City executive committee member Robert Beaudry, who is responsible for the homelessness file, issued a declaration stating: “The needs are glaring and multiple for the establishment of new permanent resources throughout Montreal. This is why our team is increasing its efforts alongside the health network and community organizations to find new places to accommodate the most vulnerable in our society. It is our duty not to give up.”
“We also want this to be done in the right way,” the declaration continued, “taking into account the needs and concerns of the population.”