On June 11, 2026, Justice Alexandre Pless issued a court order that halted the removal of a homeless encampment in Montreal. The decision was delivered as city officials prepared to clear the tent city that had been set up by people experiencing homelessness.
The municipal plan to dismantle the encampment had been scheduled for implementation, but the court intervened before any action could be taken. Justice Pless’ ruling cited the need to respect constitutional rights, emphasizing that the individuals living in the encampment are entitled to safety, security and dignity under the law.
By ordering the suspension of the eviction, the judge affirmed that the city must consider those fundamental rights when designing any response to the presence of a homeless community. The decision underscores the legal requirement for authorities to balance public policy objectives with the protections guaranteed by the constitution.
The immediate effect of the order is that the encampment remains in place for the time being, and the city must reassess its approach in light of the constitutional considerations outlined by the court. No further details were provided about alternative measures or a revised timeline for addressing the situation.
The ruling has drawn attention to the broader legal framework governing how municipalities address homelessness, reinforcing that any action taken must be compatible with the rights to safety, security and dignity for all residents, including those without permanent housing.