Vulnerable and homeless people are a growing presence in the public spaces of commercial buildings, a situation that we approach in constructive fashion and with respect, intelligence and sensitivity. The Mediation Activities program is the result of that vision.

This initiative was launched by the Société de développement sociale de Montréal (SDS) and implemented with the collaboration of BOMA Quebec, the Hotel Association of Greater Montreal and Tourism Montreal. Mediation consists of engaged and proactive on-site actions that serve all the stakeholders involved. It serves as a bridge linking different walks of life, people who rub shoulders on a daily basis often despite themselves. The purpose of mediation is to achieve mutual understanding and to implement promising solutions. So far 28 commercial buildings in Montreal have signed up to participate.

And that's not all. The SDS is also developing several employment reintegration initiatives, working together with various partners in the community services sector, as well as owners and managers of commercial buildings.

Take the example of the BTB Real Estate Investment Trust, which created a cleaning brigade for indoor parking areas, working in conjunction with the SDS and the organization Spectre de rue via le programme TAPAJ (alternative work paid on a daily basis). The brigade is supervised by Spectre de Rue and has been cleaning BTB parking lots on a weekly basis since December 2015, and continues to do so. It allows many vulnerable individuals to get back on their feet and to earn a living, gradually becoming self-reliant as they regain confidence through work.

That is a great example of successful mediation, and an inspiration for where we want to go. Learn more about mediation and see what you can do for your building.

Because it produces results. Also because everyone benefits.