Headline: Saint Martin’s Blocks Citizens’ Committee Advocates for Housing Justice at City Hall
Subheadline: Committee pushes the city hall to make a change in redevelopment plans to protect the future of localresidents
Montreal, March 27th, 1967- Saint Martin’s Blocks Citizens’ Committee held an important meeting with City Hall representatives to discuss critical housing concerns in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighborhood at the City Hall of Montreal. The committee, the group of local residents, is actively working to ensure that low-income residents’ voices are heard as the city moves forward with its redevelopment project. The committee advocates for affordable housing solutions and greater protections for residents who may be displaced by the projects.
During the meeting, committee members evaluated the plan by raising their concerns and proposed to reduce the negativeeffects of redevelopment on the community. By voicing their thoughts about gentrification and displacement, the committee’s goal is to influence city policy to provide affordable housing and protect the rights of local residents.
“The right to a decent home, according to its meaning is a basic right for everyone,” said Jeanne Leblanc, president of the block-level Saint Martin’s Blocks Citizens’ Committee. She continues, “In a real democracy, we believe that all citizens, especially those who have not been listened to until now, could improve their law by participating in decisions, which affect their lives. The residents should have an equal voice as an administration.”
Key issues that the committee highlighted during the meeting were: the insufficiency of affordable housing options in the proposed project, the potential displacement of low-income residents, and the lack of current resident community involvement in decision-making processes.
John Doe, the representative of the Saint Martin’s Blocks Citizens’ Committee, said, “What we want in our home is just freedom, freedom to be there, freedom to live. You go home, and you want to feel home.”
City Hall representatives acknowledged the concerns raised by the committee members and agreed to work together to find the best solutions for both of them. The committee emphasized that this meeting was only the beginning of reshaping the redevelopment project, and they are committed to continue being active towards the project for advocating the rights of the local community, pushing the City Hall to prioritize affordable housing and protect the cultural and social fabric of Little Burgundy.
About Saint Martin’s Blocks Citizens’ Committee
The Saint Martin’s Blocks Citizen’s Committee (SMBC) was formed in 1967 by local residents of Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighborhood, who were directly impacted by the urban renewal development plans. The Committee works to ensure the rights of low-income tenants are protected in urban renewal and advocates. Through its work, the Commissionis seeking to foster more inclusive, equitable, affordable housing and tenant protections for all residents in Montreal.
Contact Information
Aiko Uehara CMNS 3550
ueharaa19@mytru.ca