Starting on January 1, libraries in certain Montreal boroughs will be empowered to ask individuals with poor personal hygiene to leave. Critics argue that this rule could potentially be used to discriminate against vulnerable populations, including the homeless and those experiencing poverty.
The new code of conduct, adopted by specific boroughs, includes provisions that allow libraries to remove individuals who block library entrances, sleep inside, threaten others, or introduce bedbugs.
Ericka Alneus, an executive committee member responsible for culture and heritage, assured that this rule would only be enforced in “extreme measures” and emphasized that all individuals, regardless of their social status, are welcome in the city’s 45 libraries.
Under the bylaw, fines for violating these rules range from CA$350 ($257) to CA$1,000 ($750) for a first offense, increasing to CA$2,000 ($1,470) for a second offense and CA$3,000 ($2,200) for subsequent violations.
Sam Watts, the head of the Welcome Hall Mission, expressed skepticism about the necessity of these rules and urged a focus on addressing social challenges such as homelessness and poverty with more effective solutions. He argued that investing in practical solutions would eliminate the need for such restrictive rules about access to public buildings.
Alneus clarified that the bylaw was not intended to exclude anyone and indicated that its wording would be revised to clarify its purpose.