On September 25, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., officers of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) rescued a 44-year-old man who was living in a building scheduled for demolition. The rescue took place at the intersection of Masson and Lafond streets in the Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie borough.
Police were on the scene after learning that the vacant structure, which had been earmarked for demolition, had been entered by the man seeking shelter. Responding officers located the individual inside the building and safely removed him from the premises. The man was taken to a nearby location for assessment and assistance.
The building at the corner of Masson and Lafond had been slated for demolition as part of a municipal program to clear unsafe or abandoned structures. Prior to the demolition date, city officials had begun securing the site to prevent unauthorized entry and to protect public safety. The presence of a homeless occupant was not anticipated, prompting the police intervention.
The incident underscores the routine measures taken by municipal authorities to secure demolition sites before work begins. The SPVM confirmed that the rescue was carried out in accordance with standard protocols for handling individuals found in unsafe or restricted areas. No injuries were reported, and the demolition schedule is expected to proceed as planned.
City officials have not released further details about the man's identity or his immediate future, but they indicated that appropriate social services would be contacted to provide support. The police department reiterated its commitment to responding quickly to similar situations that may arise in other vacant or condemned properties across Montreal.