West Island's only homeless shelter finds permanent location — and pushback
- Tania Charron
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
MEDIA
The Gazette
ARTICLE SUMMARY
After years of searching and an eviction in 2024, the Ricochet CentER has found a permanent home in a former Jesuit facility in Pierrefonds-Roxboro. This new location, nestled along the Rivière des Prairies, offers a calm and safe environment for people experiencing homelessness. The centre’s 80 beds quickly filled up, and demand remains high.
Since the announcement of plans to purchase the property, some nearby residents have voiced concerns about its proximity to schools and daycares. However, Ricochet’s leadership emphasizes that the Center is a solution, not a cause, to the growing homelessness crisis in the West Island. “Most of our residents are simply looking for affordable housing and a chance to start over,” explained executive director Tania Charron.
To foster positive coexistence, Ricochet has implemented several initiatives, including social mediation, neighbourhood patrols, a community clean-up team, a shuttle service for clients, and open houses for local residents. The organization also plans to reduce the number of emergency beds and develop around 60 affordable housing units to support long-term residential stability.
Local officials have confirmed that the shelter is fully authorized to operate at its current site, noting that Ricochet represents a compassionate and practical response to the housing crisis.
