A warm spring afternoon turned tragic last week when Tammy Castonguay found herself caught in a hit-and-run incident that left her with serious injuries. The 47-year-old woman, who has experienced homelessness in Montreal for several years, was struck while sitting on René-Lévesque Boulevard near Atwater Avenue.
“I was just sitting there having a cigarette, and the next thing I know, I was flying through the air,” Castonguay told me during our conversation at the Montreal General Hospital. Her voice trembled slightly as she pointed to her bandaged leg and bruised face.
The collision occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a vehicle jumped the curb. According to witnesses, the driver briefly stopped before fleeing the scene. This left Castonguay alone and injured until passersby called emergency services.
Montreal police confirmed they’re investigating the incident as a hit-and-run. “We’re reviewing security camera footage from nearby buildings and seeking additional witnesses,” explained SPVM spokesperson Agent Julie Martel.
For Castonguay, this incident highlights the vulnerability faced by Montreal’s unhoused population. “People think we’re invisible sometimes,” she said, adjusting herself carefully in the hospital bed. “But we’re human beings too.”
Dr. Marc Bouchard, who treated Castonguay at the emergency room, noted that her injuries could have been much worse. “She sustained a fractured tibia, multiple contusions, and required stitches for facial lacerations,” he explained. “Considering the circumstances, she was fortunate.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about pedestrian safety and the particular risks faced by vulnerable populations. Matthew Pearce, former CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, points to a troubling pattern.
“Individuals experiencing homelessness often rest in public spaces because they have nowhere else to go,” Pearce explained. “This creates dangerous situations near roadways, especially in high-traffic areas downtown.”
The Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK has stepped forward to support Castonguay, who identifies as Innu. “We’re working to ensure she receives culturally appropriate care and support during her recovery,” said coordinator Nakuset. “This includes finding safe housing once she’s discharged.”
Statistics from Montreal’s public health department indicate that pedestrian collisions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. A 2022 report showed that unhoused individuals were three times more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents than the general population.
I’ve covered many stories about our city’s homelessness challenges over my years at LCN, but Castonguay’s situation feels particularly poignant. Last winter, I spent time documenting outreach efforts during the extreme cold, witnessing firsthand how exposed our unhoused neighbors truly are.
“The hardest part is feeling forgotten,” Castonguay told me, her eyes momentarily filling with tears. “But I’m still here, and I want people to know what happened.”
Community response has been swift. The Accueil Bonneau day center has established a support fund for Castonguay’s recovery needs. “We’re collecting essential items and helping coordinate her care plan,” explained coordinator Fiona Crossling.
As our interview concluded, Castonguay expressed a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. “The nurses here have been amazing, but I don’t know where I’ll go after this,” she admitted. “I just hope the person who hit me realizes what they did.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They describe the vehicle as a dark-colored sedan with likely front-end damage. The driver is believed to be a male in his 30s.
For those wishing to support Montreal’s homeless population, the Old Brewery Mission, Welcome Hall Mission, and Accueil Bonneau accept donations and volunteer support year-round.
As Montrealers, we must remember that our sidewalks and public spaces belong to everyone. Castonguay’s story reminds us that behind each person experiencing homelessness is a human being deserving of safety, dignity and care—regardless of where they lay their head at night.
