Montreal city officials announced on Wednesday that they will file an appeal against a Quebec Superior Court ruling that bars the removal of a homeless encampment situated beneath the Van Horne viaduct in the Mile End neighbourhood. The municipal government said the decision, issued by the Superior Court, requires the encampment to remain in place, prompting the city to seek a review by a higher court.
The encampment, located under the elevated roadway, has been the subject of a legal dispute since the Superior Court issued its order. The court’s directive prevents municipal authorities from taking any action to dismantle the makeshift settlement, effectively preserving the status quo for the residents living there. City representatives indicated that the appeal will challenge the legal basis of the ruling and aim to restore the municipality’s ability to manage the space.
While the city prepares its appeal, the residents of the encampment remain on the site, awaiting further judicial clarification. The appeal process will move the matter to a higher judicial body, where the city hopes to obtain permission to proceed with its plans for the area. No timeline has been provided for when the higher court will hear the case, and the immediate impact on the encampment’s occupants remains uncertain.
The Van Horne viaduct, a prominent structure in Mile End, has long been a landmark in the neighbourhood. The presence of the encampment beneath it has raised questions about public space use, safety, and municipal responsibility. By pursuing an appeal, the City of Montreal signals its intention to address those concerns through the legal system rather than through direct action at this stage.
The appeal represents the latest development in a broader legal and policy conversation about how Montreal handles homeless encampments and the balance between court orders and municipal authority. The outcome of the higher‑court review will determine whether the city can proceed with any removal plans or must continue to accommodate the encampment as ordered by the Superior Court.