On June 11, 2026, Justice Alexandre Pless issued an order that stops the city of Montreal from removing a tent encampment occupied by people experiencing homelessness. The order explicitly prevents municipal authorities from carrying out an eviction.
The decision was grounded in the court’s assessment that the removal would contravene constitutional protections that guarantee safety, security and dignity to individuals, including those without permanent housing. By citing these rights, the judge emphasized the legal obligations of the municipality toward vulnerable residents.
The ruling arrives after the city had initiated efforts to clear the encampment, actions that had raised questions about the extent of municipal power when confronting homelessness. Legal observers note that the case brings to the fore the balance between public‑order considerations and the fundamental rights of people experiencing homelessness.
The order remains in effect while the parties consider further legal steps. Municipal officials have indicated that they will review the judgment and determine how to proceed with their broader strategy for addressing tent cities across Montreal. The case is expected to influence ongoing debates about how Canadian cities manage homelessness within the framework of constitutional law.
The order requires municipal officials to reassess any plan to remove the encampment and to ensure that any future measures comply with the constitutional guarantees cited by the court. The decision therefore places the city’s homelessness strategy under continued judicial scrutiny.
The encampment remains in place pending further legal proceedings.