Anti-loitering spikes removed after Montreal mayor voices outrage

Controversial anti-loitering spikes have been removed from a ledge along a downtown sidewalk, after Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre took to social media to express his outrage on Tuesday.

The metal spikes, designed to deter people from sitting on a ledge along the sidewalk, were installed in front of Archambault, a music and book store located at the corner of Berri Street and Sainte-Catherine Street East, near the Berri-UQAM Metro station.

After finding out about the spikes on Tuesday morning, Coderre expressed his outrage via twitter, writing in French: "Anti-homeless spikes are unacceptable!!!!"

The mayor rushed over to Archambault to meet with media and reassure the public that the spikes would be removed.

"It's a disgrace. This is not the kind of society I want to live in," Coderre said while pointing to the spikes.

He tweeted in French: "I guarantee that these spikes will disappear today, even if we have to remove them ourselves!!!"

Other city councillors jumped into action, also demanding the spikes be removed. 

By noon on Tuesday, the spikes had been removed. 

Archambault, which is owned by Quebecor, released a statement on Monday, clarifying that it does not own the building, and had nothing to do with the spikes. 

"Quebecor and Archambault are not the owners of this building, and have nothing to do with [these spikes]," the release stated.

"Quebecor is heavily involved in its community and is concerned about homelessness. These are complex issues and we are willing to collaborate to help find solutions."

According to Quebecor, which co-owns the building, the part of the building where the spikes were installed belongs to another proprietor.

The City of Montreal's property assessment roll show Groupe Canvar Inc. owns part of the building.

It's not clear when the spikes were installed or why.