A footage capturing numerous rats surrounding a person asleep on the steps of a church in Quebec City’s Saint-Roch district has triggered concerns from the city’s mayor and community advocates regarding a persistent health issue in the vicinity. Stéphanie Langlois witnessed the scene while distributing food near the church and recorded the incident on her phone, revealing around 15 rats scurrying about. The disturbing video, filmed a few weeks back and shared with Radio-Canada, generated a public outcry.
Mayor Bruno Marchand addressed inquiries from the media on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in addressing the situation. He mentioned that the city has been actively monitoring and addressing rat infestations through professional eradication efforts. Marchand emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that such conditions are unacceptable and advocating for a solution centered around eradicating homelessness.
Marie-Hélène Michaud, who operates a mobile community outreach initiative called Le Marginal with Société Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Québec, expressed concerns about hygiene due to the escalating rat problem in the city, especially during the summer months. She described how the rats even climb onto sleeping individuals near the church, highlighting the severity of the issue.
In response to the viral video, Quebec City’s regional health authority, Santé Québec Capitale-Nationale, assured that they would investigate the situation, conduct assessments, and determine necessary actions. Ariane Desharnais, the general administrative co-ordinator at the Répit Basse-Ville shelter, recounted instances of rats gnawing on people sleeping outdoors, particularly in areas like Jean-Paul-L’Allier Park, prompting individuals to seek alternative shelter locations.
Desharnais stressed the need for increased shelter capacities and community support, emphasizing that while warming shelters provide immediate assistance, a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness is essential. She called for greater financial support from the provincial government to tackle the pressing issue and ensure vulnerable individuals have access to adequate housing options.