The West of Montreal Nord in which the Ilot Pelletier is located is delimited by Pelletier and Charleroi Streets and by Henri-Bourassa and Pie IX Boulevards.
In this western territory adopted by some, the living conditions have been degrading and the unemployment rate is high, higher than in Montréal Nord and higher than in Montreal.
If we look more closely, the situation becomes catastrophic. The unemployment rate gets higher in the small Ilot Pelletier located between Garon, Pelletier, Amos and Henri-Bourassa where, compared to Montréal Nord, there are more dropouts and more single-parent families.
At least, that’s what the media say.
In reality, the Ilot is a small residential area where a few elementary schools, a high-school with around 2000 students, and some convenience retail stores are found. Fortunately, a study has been carried out by a group named Paroles d’excluEs in collaboration with the residents of the neighbourhood.
The results gathered in a report called Universitaire Paroles d'excluEs show that the inhabitants carry a vision of their neighbourhood that differs from the image usually depicted by the media. The residents have a positive image of their territory and of its future, and appreciate its ongoing improvements.
The situation is far from being perfect though. Major improvements coexist with concerns about vital problems. The Ilot is still a troubled and noisy neighbourhood with a bad image and too many immigrants. Several types of problems are revealed.
When questioned, the residents mentioned problems connected to a lack of services and to an insufficient number of day care centres and recreational and sporting activities.
The inhabitants also talked about problems connected to lodgings that are unhealthy and too costly and to recreational activities that are too expensive. Finally, some people describe problems linked to security issues rising from illicit activities and dangerous driving to pollution and lack of safe sanitation in certain areas.
In conclusion, the study brings good news. The population is ready to act. The people living in the Ilot Pelletier have a clear understanding of their situation, are aware of the difficulties and of the problems, have solutions to offer and projects to set off.
Thank you for visiting Îlot Pelletier. More to come soon.