Montreal's Mounting Trash Problem: A City's Struggle for Clean Streets

Montreal's Street Cleanliness Crisis: Residents Sound the Alarm as Illegal Dumping Soars Montreal, QC – May 16, 2025 – Reports of illegal dumping in Montreal have skyrocketed, leaving residents frustrated and city officials scrambling for solutions. A recent video by 24 Heures reveals a 57% increase in such reports over the past three years. The video features Pierre Deschenes, a resident of the Parc-Extension neighborhood, who expresses his concern about the deteriorating state of his streets. "I've often thought the city is overwhelmed," he states, highlighting the persistent problem despite complaints filed with the city. The video also shows examples of discarded furniture, boxes, and other waste strewn across sidewalks and streets. In response, the city has increased its sanitation budget and is deploying new equipment. However, the video suggests that further innovative solutions are needed. Ray Khalil, a municipal councilor, points to Laval's successful use of electronic signage to regulate parking and facilitate efficient street cleaning as a potential model for Montreal. The video concludes with footage of citizen-led cleanup initiatives, offering a glimmer of hope for a cleaner future for Montreal.