La Chaudronnée seems to have solved the problem

La Chaudronie de l’Estrie believed this solved the problem of human excrement found on the company’s grounds in Bowen Street South.

Francois Lemieux, coordinator of the soup kitchen, exults, “It seems to have gone down.

“After the last day this phenomenon stopped. We hope this continues. We are very happy. »

Remember, on October 19th, La Chaudronie had to close for the day to clean up its grounds, which were littered with human excrement. Despite repeated warnings, the situation continued for months.

Fewer and fewer people are camping on the grounds.

– Francois Lemieux

We noticed that the actions started at the beginning of summer. Sometimes excrement was seen on the ground. But with the onset of fall, the situation became more serious.

The message of October 19 was effective, Mr. Lemieux opined. “Many said to themselves that this does not make sense. Everyone has been penalized by some for bad behavior,” he says.

“It must be said that there are fewer and fewer people camping on the ground because it’s getting cold this fall. There’s only one left who sleeps outside in his tent. How much longer? It’s getting colder and colder. »

Hot breaks

François Lemieux predicts that the situation will improve further with the opening of heat centers in the coming weeks. La Chaudronie will be open during the day on weekends starting Nov. 25, he noted. People are admitted from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

“We don’t provide meals, but people have access to warmth and toilets,” he explained. We are in the process of preparing it. Staff appointed. This service will be available throughout the winter until around March 31. »

“There will also be another night heat stop at Partage Saint-François for those who do not want to go to the shelters. That way, the entire week is covered. »

Find public toilets

The lack of public sanitary facilities in downtown Sherbrooke does not help the phenomenon and Mr. Lemieux opined.

“Public amenities are rare,” he noted. Parks close at 11pm, sometimes earlier. It’s not always easy to go to restaurants or convenience stores when you’re not buying anything. »

“But I know the City of Sherbrooke is working to find a place in the city center where homeless people can go for this type of health service. »