In Quebec City’s Saint-Roch neighborhood, a disturbing video capturing a swarm of rats around a person sleeping on a church stoop has sparked concern among the city’s mayor and community advocates. Stéphanie Langlois witnessed the rats while distributing food nearby and recorded the scene, expressing disbelief at the conditions people are left in. The footage, shared with Radio-Canada, has triggered public outcry.
Mayor Bruno Marchand addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to address the persistent health problem. He mentioned the city’s efforts in monitoring and eradicating rat infestations, stressing that such conditions are unacceptable. Marchand highlighted the importance of addressing homelessness to combat the issue effectively.
Marie-Hélène Michaud, who operates a mobile outreach program, expressed worries about hygiene due to the worsening rat problem in the city. She described instances where rats climbed on sleeping individuals, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. With hundreds of meal distributions weekly, Michaud noted the challenges faced by outreach workers, including rats running amidst them during their activities.
Following the rat video, Quebec City’s regional health authority committed to investigating the situation and assessing the need for action. Ariane Desharnais from a local warming shelter shared accounts of rats disturbing people sleeping outdoors, highlighting the struggles faced by those seeking shelter in affected areas.
Desharnais called for increased shelter availability and community support to address the homelessness crisis effectively. She stressed the importance of comprehensive care services and urged for immediate financial assistance from the government to tackle the issue promptly. Desharnais emphasized the growing risk of homelessness for many individuals and the need for proactive measures to prevent further escalation of the problem.
