Montreal police on Thursday, September 17, 2026, located a woman and her one‑year‑old child living in a makeshift shelter in the city’s east end. Officers discovered the two individuals in a homeless encampment and subsequently opened an investigation.
The discovery was part of routine police monitoring of the growing number of temporary shelters that have appeared across Montreal. Police officials said the encampment was identified during a patrol of the area, leading officers to the mother and child.
The investigation will focus on the circumstances that led the pair to reside in the encampment and any potential safety concerns. Authorities have not released further details about the woman’s identity or the specific location of the shelter.
City officials have noted a recent increase in makeshift shelters as the number of people experiencing homelessness rises. The municipal government has been working with community groups to address the need for affordable housing and to provide services to vulnerable residents.
Police involvement in similar situations has become more frequent, according to statements from the department. When vulnerable individuals, especially children, are found in precarious living conditions, officers are required to assess immediate needs and refer families to social services while also determining whether any legal action is warranted.
The case underscores the broader challenge facing Montreal as it balances law‑enforcement responsibilities with social‑service outreach. No further arrests or charges have been reported at this time.