Jean-Roch Boivin passed away on February 19 at the age of 79. Just weeks after moving out of his former home in Montreal’s storied Square Saint-Louis, he suffered a heart attack.
He had finally settled with his building’s new owner, following an anguished fight to stay.
Boivin’s battle to remain in his home was a well-known and highly publicized one.
The iconic Square Saint-Louis neighborhood was undergoing rapid gentrification, and many longtime residents were being forced out due to rising rents and property values.
Boivin had lived in his apartment for over 40 years and was deeply attached to the neighborhood and its community.
When his building was sold to a new owner, Boivin fought tirelessly to stay in his home. He launched a media campaign, held protests, and even went on a hunger strike to draw attention to his cause.
Ultimately, he was able to negotiate a settlement with the new owner that allowed him to stay in his apartment until the end of his life.
Boivin’s death is a tragic end to a long and difficult struggle. However, his determination and courage in fighting for his home and community have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and on the wider Montreal community.
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