The City of Montreal said it will file an appeal against a Quebec Superior Court decision that prohibited the municipality from clearing a homeless encampment located beneath the Van Horne viaduct in the Mile End neighbourhood. The announcement was made on September 2, 2026, following the court’s order that halted the city’s planned removal of the makeshift settlement.
The Superior Court judgment, issued earlier this week, barred municipal officials from proceeding with any action to dismantle the encampment. The ruling effectively stopped the city’s effort to clear the area, which had been identified as a target for removal due to concerns about safety, sanitation and public use of the space under the viaduct.
City officials indicated that the appeal will be pursued in order to revisit the legal basis for the original order and to seek a reversal that would allow the municipality to move forward with its removal plan. No further details about the timing of the appeal or the specific legal arguments have been released.
The encampment under the Van Horne viaduct has been a visible presence in Mile End for an extended period. The city’s attempt to dismantle the site reflects ongoing efforts to address homelessness and related public‑space issues across Montreal. The Superior Court’s intervention underscores the legal complexities involved in balancing municipal authority with the rights of individuals occupying public land.
The appeal process is expected to add another layer to the ongoing dialogue between the city, the courts and community stakeholders regarding how to manage and support the homeless population in the region. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the city can resume its removal operation or must explore alternative approaches to the situation.
The city’s decision to challenge the ruling comes as part of a broader municipal strategy to address encampments and related public‑policy concerns, while respecting the legal framework established by Quebec’s courts.