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.
“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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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.
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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.