As summer approaches in Montreal, the city and our borough of Park is bracing for what is expected to be a challenging season. The Plante administration has acknowledged the difficult period that lies ahead, particularly for the understaffed Montreal police force. However, they are confident that Police Chief Fady Dagher is well-equipped to handle the situation.
Alain Vaillancourt, head of public security on the city’s executive committee, addressed concerns about the summer during a recent municipal council meeting. He assured the public that the city has been preparing for months to deal with any potential problems that may arise. While acknowledging that the summer will be “hot,” he emphasized that they have already taken steps to ensure the safety of Montreal residents.
These concerns were raised after a string of violent incidents rocked the city earlier this year. According to the QMI Agency, there were 21 gun violence incidents on the island of Montreal in March alone. One person was killed, and eight others were injured. The majority of the victims were young adults, and much of the violence is believed to be linked to conflicts between local street gangs.
The official opposition in Montreal has criticized the Plante administration for not being adequately prepared for the summer. Abdelhaq Sari, a member of the opposition, pointed out the lack of planning and preparation for what could be a volatile season.
Despite these criticisms, the Plante administration maintains that they are well-prepared for the summer. They have been working with Police Chief Fady Dagher to address the ongoing concerns about safety in the city. The administration has also requested additional resources from the Quebec government, including a dedicated cohort to help support the police force.
The SPVM has also expanded its pool of candidates for recruitment by authorizing candidates from the social field. This move is intended to bring in more diverse candidates who can help address the complex social issues that contribute to violence in the city.
While the Plante administration acknowledges that the summer will be challenging, they are confident in the ability of the SPVM and Police Chief Fady Dagher to handle the situation. Montreal residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
