Parc‑Extension residents have reported seeing rats on the neighbourhood streets every day, according to a local resident who noted the animals on her route to a nearby daycare. The resident’s daughter, who walks to the same facility, has also been counting the rodents, indicating that the sightings have become a routine part of their daily commute.
The resident, who asked to remain unnamed, said the presence of the rats has been constant since at least 2020. She described the animals as appearing on sidewalks and near residential buildings, creating a noticeable increase in wildlife activity in the area.
An exterminator familiar with the situation confirmed that the frequency of rodent complaints across Montreal has risen since the COVID‑19 pandemic began. The professional noted that citywide calls for pest control have climbed, reflecting a broader trend that extends beyond Parc‑Extension.
City officials have documented a surge in pest‑control requests starting in 2020. The municipal records show a marked increase in reports of rodent sightings and related concerns, prompting the city to monitor the situation more closely.
The rise in rat activity is linked to the overall increase in complaints throughout Montreal after the pandemic. Experts suggest that changes in waste management practices and reduced street cleaning during lockdown periods may have contributed to the growth in rodent populations. The situation in Parc‑Extension mirrors the larger pattern observed across the city, where residents are now regularly encountering rats as part of their everyday routines.