Shantytown in St-Henri neighbourhood prompts complaints

Some people living near a shantytown in Montreal's St-Henrineighbourhood have filed complaints and would like to see it torn down.

"The view is not really nice. It is really messyIt could be nice if it is torn down," said neighbour Lawrence Rustenholz.

The shantytown, located on St-Philippe Street between St-Jacques and Langevin streets, is filled with shacks, trailers andpropane tanks.

The lot is surrounded by apartment buildings. Some neighbours told CBC they've heard a few voices at night and sometimes dogs howling.

"Is it legal or not? I don't know," said Betty Li, who lives nearby.

Inspection underway

Borough officials said they have received several complaints about the shantytown.

The office of Benoit Dorais, the borough mayor, told CBC it will take another look at the site to see if any

laws have been broken.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre tweeted that inspectors with the Montreal fire department are also involved.