Jimmy’s Journey

We wish to express our condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Cloutier, 38 years-old, who lost his life on January 6, 2017 in a fatal confrontation with Montreal police outside the Old Brewery Mission’s Webster Pavilion.

Although Jimmy was homeless, we know he was taking the necessary steps to better his life. He was attending computer classes; he was budgeting his income—making sure he always had enough money to buy a small gift for his mom every time he visited.

We first came to know Jimmy in 2005; he continued to use our emergency services until he agreed to take part in a two-year residential program we run in partnership with the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. Jimmy was suffering from a chronic mental health disorder and completed the program successfully.

Over the 11 years he used our services, there were ups and downs—but never an incident.

As a longstanding member of Montreal’s civil society, the Old Brewery Mission is saddened by the loss of a vulnerable man who not only needed our help to survive, but the understanding, support and respect of the greater community to be able to continue his journey with dignity.