The STM Is Being Accused Of Hostile Architecture With Metro Station Bench Bars

The STM says Viau station's bench armrests are "necessary for universal accessibility."
The STM Is Being Accused Of Hostile Architecture With Metro Station Bench Bars
Michel Bussieres | Dreamstime
Staff Writer

A Facebook post with over 100 likes and comments is calling attention to the recent installation of armrests on a bench inside the STM's Viau metro station — a move that some people say is an example of hostile architecture. 

In a statement sent to MTL Blog, the STM said that the bench armrests are "necessary for universal accessibility to allow customers with reduced mobility to get up more easily."

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Tommy Proulx-Roy | Facebook

The armrests were installed during the renovations at Viau station to install elevators in response to "long-standing requests made from various associations," according to the STM. 

This isn't the first time that Montreal's transit company has been accused of using hostile installations.

In February, the company came under fire for boarding up Bonaventure station benches that have been a popular resting spot for unhoused Montrealers. 

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  • Teddy Elliot
  • Teddy Elliot
    Teddy Elliot was a Staff Writer for MTL Blog. He was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and has a B.A. in Literature. Teddy has been a journalist for three years and was once an English teacher. His creative work has appeared in The Blasted Tree and Parenthetical Magazine. When he's not chasing scoops, Teddy can be found cheering on Aston Villa and listening to 80s power ballads. He was shortlisted for a Digital Publishing Award in 2021.

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