MONTREAL – Sunday morning, employees and neighbouring shop owners in Saint-Henri, spent their morning trying to erase the traces of a shocking attack.
“About 30 people went into the business, stole some items from that business and from there, they decided to do graffiti on the store, on the windows and there were some messages that were left too on the site,” said Jean-Pierre Brabant, spokesperson for Montreal Police.
Co-owner, Maxime Tremblay, said the shop has been a victim of vandalism before, but has never experienced a confrontation like this.
“It’s quite violent,” he explained. “My employee is under shock and for sure she is because 30 persons in a small shop like this one and you’re alone – you don’t feel safe.”
While Tremblay understands the message of gentrification, he insists the attack was uncalled for.
He explained that the shop consistently takes part in charity events and mostly sells locally-produced goods.
“I really don’t understand why they think we’re the bad guys here because we’re just young entrepreneurs, trying to just make a living – which is never easy,” he said.
The borough of Saint-Henri has traditionally been a low-income neighbourhood and has recently undergone changes.
READ MORE: Gentrification in Montreal not helping poorer families
Many condos, trendy shops and restaurants are slowly taking over, causing tension, as long-term residents can’t afford to stay and at times, are forced to relocate – resulting in some people lashing out.
“I feel the action is not acceptable,” said Tremblay. “I do understand the cause but I don’t understand the way they use to make their point.”
This isn’t the first such incident.
READ MORE: St-Henri vandalism: Cause for concern?
In May of last year, four shops on Notre-Dame Street were also vandalized.
“I think it’s misspent energy,” said Saint-Henri resident, James Bouthillier. “They’re not targeting the right people or at least doing it properly, in my opinion. Graffiti never solves anything.”
Meanwhile, police have yet to make any arrests.
They’re checking to see if any surveillance cameras recorded the attack.
Regardless, the owners of 3734 are not giving up on Saint-Henri.
“I feel like it’s an opportunity to talk to each other and you know, stop fighting,” said Tremblay.