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Montreal new law will fine people over $1k for smelling body odor bad in public libraries.
Added to the list of items in the code of conduct that can get someone expelled is having “personal hygeine which inconveniences other users or the personnel.” Some boroughs like Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce already have the bylaw in place.
“I really want to point out that this bylaw is really in extreme measures,” explained Ericka Alneus, executive committee member responsible for culture and heritage.
Still, it’s that last line that has some people up in arms.
“Why are we investing energy in setting a whole series of rules in place for people who are vulnerable,” Sam Watts, head of the Welcome Hall Mission, wondered.
His and other community groups are pointing out that the way the new regulation is written means vulnerable people, like those experiencing homelessness, will be the ones who are targeted.
“No matter your social status, you’re welcome in all the 45 libraries of the city of Montreal,” said Alneus, adding that the bylaw “really doesn’t target a specific group of individuals, but it applies to everyone.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said the bylaw is not intended to discriminate and the city would be modifying its wording to “reflect our desire for inclusion in all city spaces.”
Eve Lagacé, general director of Quebec’s association of public libraries, says she was “surprised.”
Although Lagacé says librarians are facing significant challenges in their ability to accommodate some members of the public — especially in some areas of the city — she wishes the city of Montreal would focus less on exclusionary measures
“I can understand that it could be seen as a solution because of a lack of resources, but there are investments that need to be made so that we can serve people in an inclusive way,” she said.
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