Couple asking Dorval to let them stay in tent after eviction warning

The City of Dorval plans to dismantle a homeless couple’s tent due to safety concerns. The couple is pleading with the city to let them stay.

Mark and his girlfriend Nancy have been living in a tent behind a fire station for roughly five months. They say they have nowhere else to go.

“I’m having a hard time because of the rent [inflation],” said Mark.

According to the city, police officers noticed the presence of gas canisters and propane tanks inside the tent in December.

Mark says he has a generator that he uses for the heaters. He adds that the canisters are now empty, and instead, he uses an electrical cord to run the generator.

“So it’s not cold in there,” he said.

The city has been aware of the tent since September and over the past few months, social workers offered resources to help the couple find temporary accommodations.

But Mark says, with his three dogs, it is difficult to find accommodations.

“I have three pitbulls… they’re not friendly with anybody,” said Mark.

Tania Charron, the executive director of Ricochet shelter in Montreal’s West Island, says that in situations like this, other options should be offered.

“Enough low-income housing and more inclusive emergency accommodation places and shelters,” said Charron.

The couple is pleading with the city to let them stay until spring.

“I said, give me a month till the winter is over and I’ll take down my tent myself,” said Mark.

The City of Dorval told CTV News, “We are consulting the requisite authorities to determine the best course of action to proceed with the dismantlement of the encampment in the most humane and respectful manner.”