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Saint-Henri demonstration denounces gentrification

Click to play video: 'Saint-Henri demonstrators protest neighbourhood gentrification'
Saint-Henri demonstrators protest neighbourhood gentrification
WATCH ABOVE: A housing rights group in Saint-Henri is protesting gentrification in the neighbourhood and is calling for a vacant building to be turned into an autonomous community space. Felicia Parrillo reports – Oct 29, 2016

The borough of Saint-Henri has traditionally been a low-income neighbourhood and has undergone major changes over the years.

Many condos, trendy boutiques and restaurants are slowly taking over, causing tension, as long-term residents can’t afford to stay and at times, are even forced to relocate.

Mona Luxion, a member of the Collective for an Autonomous Space, a housing rights group that organized the demonstration, said the group’s goal is to create an alternative to the commercial gentrification of Notre-Dame Street, by claiming a vacant building that they hope will become an autonomous community space for residents.

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“What we’re calling for is a space along Notre-Dame, in one of the abandoned or vacant buildings that would house a number of activities; community events, a soup kitchen, community cafe, creative activities, or after-school programs for kids,” explained Luxion.

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READ MORE: Bylaw looks to restrict where restaurants can establish on Notre-Dame Street West

According to protesters, an autonomous space could address the lack of affordable food options in the neighbourhood by housing a collective kitchen or even a donation-supported cafe.

Back in May, around 30 masked individuals stormed 3734 – a boutique grocery store in Saint-Henri by throwing smoke bombs and stealing food.

READ MORE: Anti-gentrification protesters target Saint-Henri shop

The group sprayed anti-capitalist graffiti and plastered anti-gentrification messages on the store’s front windows.

Luxion said the group’s call for an autonomous space would be a way to counter the tensions in the neighbourhood.

“What we’re really hoping to do with this project is to provide an alternative; a place where people can get those needs met,” Luxion said.

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