The City of Montreal filed an appeal on September 4, 2026, seeking to overturn a Quebec Superior Court ruling that prohibited the municipality from dismantling a homeless encampment located near a skate park and basketball court in the Van Horne neighbourhood. The appeal marks the latest step in a dispute over how the city plans to address the settlement.
Municipal officials had prepared a removal operation for the encampment, citing concerns about public safety and the intended use of the park facilities. The plan was halted when the Quebec Superior Court issued an order barring the city from proceeding with the clearance. The court’s decision effectively froze any action to dismantle the tents and structures that have been set up by people experiencing homelessness in the area.
In response, the city lodged an appeal to challenge the injunction, arguing that the removal is necessary to maintain the intended function of the recreational space and to address municipal responsibilities. The appeal will be heard by a higher court, which will review the lower court’s reasoning and decide whether the prohibition on removal should be lifted.
The legal contest unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing debates in Montreal over how to manage encampments and provide services to people without stable housing. While the city awaits a ruling on its appeal, the encampment remains in place, and the skate park and basketball court continue to be shared by residents and the encampment’s occupants. The outcome of the appeal will determine the next steps for both municipal authorities and the individuals living at the Van Horne site.