Maison Benoît-Labre, a supervised drug consumption site and homeless shelter in Montreal's Sud-Ouest borough, estimates a $6.6 million cost if forced to relocate under Quebec's proposed Bill 103. The bill prohibits such sites within 150 meters of schools or daycares; Maison Benoît-Labre is 143 meters from Victor-Rousselot elementary school. Executive director Andréane Désilets argued against relocation during consultations in Quebec City, stating cohabitation issues have improved and a move would be complicated and disruptive to services. Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant indicated Santé Québec would cover confirmed costs, but the group criticizes lack of consultation and support.
Montreal supervised drug site says forced move under proposed Quebec law could cost $6.6M
CanadaQuébecMaison Benoît-LabreLegislationBillsLawsHomeless shelters
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Maison Benoît-Labre, a supervised drug consumption site and homeless shelter in Montreal's Sud-Ouest borough, estimates a $6.6 million cost if forced to relocate under Quebec's proposed Bill 103. The bill prohibits such sites within 150 meters of schools or daycares; Maison Benoît-Labre is 143 meters from Victor-Rousselot elementary school. Executive director Andréane Désilets argued against relocation during consultations in Quebec City, stating cohabitation issues have improved and a move would be complicated and disruptive to services. Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant indicated Santé Québec would cover confirmed costs, but the group criticizes lack of consultation and support.
- 1 Just over a year ago: Supervised site at Maison Benoît-Labre opened
- 2 Recently: Bill 103 tabled by Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant
- 3 Recently: Consultations into Bill 103 held in Quebec City (Désilets made comments)
- 4 As it stands: Supervised drug consumption sites near schools would have four years to move
- Estimated $6.6 million cost for relocation
- Disruption of services at Maison Benoît-Labre
- Potential for more overdoses during transition
- Debate over government support and consultation for community groups
- Increased scrutiny on cohabitation issues between drug sites and communities
What: Maison Benoît-Labre, a supervised drug consumption site in Montreal, faces a forced relocation under Quebec's proposed Bill 103, which would prohibit such sites within 150 meters of schools or daycares. The move is estimated to cost $6.6 million.
When: Désilets made comments during consultations in Quebec City. The bill was tabled recently. Article published 2025-06-04.
Where: Montreal (Sud-Ouest borough), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Why: Bill 103 was tabled in response to community concerns about supervised drug consumption sites, including open drug use, aggressive behavior, and sexual conduct near schools.
How: The Quebec government proposed Bill 103. Maison Benoît-Labre is participating in consultations and advocating against the forced move.