Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has publicly commended the city's residents for their swift and generous response to an urgent appeal for aid directed at the unhoused population during a dangerous cold snap.
An Urgent Call for Help
Speaking at city hall on Thursday, December 5, 2025, alongside members of a newly formed crisis unit tackling homelessness, Mayor Martinez Ferrada issued a direct request to the public. She asked citizens to donate critical winter items like sleeping bags and winter gloves, and to call the city's 211 line for donation locations. The mayor emphasized that winter's arrival was more abrupt than expected, creating an immediate need for action despite ongoing work on long-term solutions.
The timing of the appeal was critical. Temperatures in the Montreal area plummeted to a low of -14°C on Thursday evening, with wind chill making it feel like -22°C. By Friday morning, the mercury dropped to -17°C (-23°C with wind chill), a stark contrast to the average early December high of -1°C. The forecast indicated the severe cold would persist.
Community Mobilization and Emergency Measures
The city's immediate response included opening a temporary 135-space emergency shelter in the downtown YMCA building, operated by security teams hired by the city. Mayor Martinez Ferrada also called on boroughs, businesses, and community groups to identify any small spaces that could be quickly converted into warming centres.
By Friday, the mayor visited the YMCA shelter, where army-style cots were set up, and expressed profound gratitude on social media. "Just over 24 hours after triggering the emergency measures... the work accomplished on the ground is exceptional," she stated. She noted that hundreds of Montrealers had already offered warm clothing and essential equipment, highlighting the community's strength and commitment to leaving no one behind.
A Long-Term Challenge Requiring Tolerance and Solutions
While praising the rapid mobilization, Mayor Martinez Ferrada framed the current effort within a larger, ongoing crisis. She revealed that the city aims to offer 3,000 shelter spaces by Christmas but acknowledged that even this number may be insufficient given the scale of need.
"We understand the challenges of cohabitation, but we must also appeal for tolerance this winter," the mayor said, addressing potential community concerns. She pledged to work on a long-term plan to move the city out of a perpetual crisis mode and toward lasting solutions for its vulnerable residents. The temporary YMCA shelter is separate from an additional 500 warming centre spots the city hopes to establish before the holidays.
