Montreal Mall Faces Backlash for Using “Baby Shark”to Deter Loitering
A shopping center in Montreal, Canada, is garnering criticism for its unconventional strategy to prevent loitering by playing the highly popular children’s song “Baby Shark”on an endless loop in its stairwells. This tactic has raised ethical concerns regarding treatment of the homeless community.
Located in Quebec, the Complexe Desjardins, close to the Old Brewery Mission—a facility providing support to homeless individuals—has implemented this musical approach as a means to keep its emergency stairwells clear. However, critics label this method as “cruel and unusual,” sparking a lively debate on the balance between maintaining public spaces and supporting vulnerable populations.
#REPORT: Montreal’s Complexe Desjardins is facing backlash for its use of the children’s song ‘Baby Shark’ on repeat in the stairwells, with a range of speeds, for nearly a year to discourage homeless individuals from loitering. pic.twitter.com/S3pPETufSs
Supporting Quotes and Insights
Jean-Benoît Turcotti, a spokesperson for Complexe Desjardins, stated, “About a year ago, we installed music in certain areas due to issues with loitering. Since implementing this solution, we’ve observed noticeable improvements.” Despite the controversial nature of this approach, the mall has indicated no intention to stop playing the song, which boasts over 15 billion views on YouTube.
Turcotti emphasized the mall’s commitment to supporting homeless individuals, citing a donation of $1.2 million made for homelessness initiatives in Montreal in 2023. “Our intention is not to drive these people away but to provide support,”he elaborated, mentioning that two social workers are on site to facilitate communication and assistance for those in need.
Reactions from the Community
While the mall believes in its dual approach, criticism persists. Sam Watts, CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission, condemned the recurring tune as “cruel and unusual.” This sentiment echoes broader concerns about the treatment of homeless individuals and the ethics of using such tactics in public spaces.
A Trend in Urban Management
Complexe Desjardins is not alone in employing musical deterrents against loitering. Similar strategies have been reported in other regions; West Palm Beach, Florida, for example, had previously utilized “Baby Shark”alongside other children’s songs, such as “Raining Tacos,”to reclaim public spaces. However, the effectiveness and morality of these actions remain subjects of debate.
As trends in urban management evolve, the conversation around using music as a deterrent prompts questions about community support and ethical treatment of marginalized populations. Whether or not this decision has influenced the song’s status as the most viewed video on YouTube is still unknown.
For a closer look at “Baby Shark,”you can watch it on
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