Parents and officials from a Longueuil elementary school are raising concerns about a large homeless encampment down the street from the school’s playground.
The encampment has been in place outside Ecole des Petits-Explorateurs elementary school on Bourassa Street in Vieux-Longueuil for about a year, but the school’s principal Chantal Fortin said within the last few weeks, the tent city has expanded in size.
It now numbers about 20 to 30 tents in size.
Fortin also claimed there have been “incidents” between the homeless community there and students, but would not provide more details.
The encampment was erected at that location because a community organization in a church nearby is providing services, including food.
Maurice Lamoureux, who has lived there for two days, told CTV News he’s in the encampment because it’s impossible to find housing he can afford.
Police are visiting the site daily to patrol the area.
Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier said she’s set to make an announcement about this encampment next week.
More details to come.