If Montreal was what it was not so long ago, I would say “Don’t worry, it will be reopened by the festival filled summer”. But the sad truth is, downtown is dying. Vacant stores, bars, restaurants still bearing the signs and logo of establishments that had been there for years, just gone.
The bulk of social services geared toward homelessness are also based in area. These services are completely saturated and unable to accommodate everyone. The overflow stays nearby, hoping that they might get a bed tomorrow. Some just live there, staying close to their friends or their supplier.
Even the hookers have moved out, none to be seen.