The first vehicle in Montreal to run entirely on renewable natural gas

May 23, 2022. Dans la rue is breaking new ground, with the first vehicle in Montreal to run entirely on renewable natural gas (RNG). Powered by the ALDO Group, Énergir and the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation, and backed by the support of numerous partners, this new and greener iteration of the Van will generate a smaller carbon footprint as it does its rounds in the central neighbourhoods of the Canadian city, lending a helping hand to those who are struggling. Since 1988, this service has been providing food, basic necessities and an attentive ear to homeless youth and other vulnerable individuals, five nights a week.

The now-iconic Van is a symbol of the love that Dans la rue’s founder, Father Emmett “Pops” Johns (1928–2018), had for the youth he was determined to help. It plays a major role in reaching out to people in unstable living conditions. Staffed by volunteers who are there to listen and support youth, and refer them to the appropriate resources, the Van will continue to address the social issue of homelessness with this new low-emission vehicle that will contribute to the 2030 decarbonization targets for the transportation sector — something that has earned the organization a 2022 Novae Award.

“This mobile outreach service is where many young people hear about what we do for the first time,” said Dans la rue Executive Director Cécile Arbaud. “After 34 years, we are proud to continue to carry out our mission to help some of our most disadvantaged local communities while doing our part for the environment.”

To mark the official launch of the new Van, presented by CN and Sun Life, and emceed by Jean-Marie Lapointe, Dans la rue also raised $200,000 to help homeless youth, prevent them from becoming entrenched in street life and offer them a better future. Place Emmett-Johns, inaugurated in 2019 by the City of Montreal to honour Pops’ memory and pay tribute to this legendary Montrealer, was the ideal location for celebrating the new vehicle.