Halifax will 'find appropriate housing' for people living in closing encampments: mayor
CTV
People living in five encampments across the Halifax Regional Municipality have less than three weeks to vacate the premises.
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) will work to “find appropriate housing” for people currently living in five homeless encampments that will close near the end of the month, according to the mayor.
“For a long time we’ve let people stay on public land,” said Mike Savage during a Wednesday afternoon news conference. “We believe now we have solutions. We have 100 Pallet shelters coming in to HRM. We believe there is enough space for people living in the streets and tents.
“We’re hoping we don’t evict anyone, we’re hoping we give people a better place to live. Having encampments in the heart of the city made people realize we have a housing crisis.”
According to a Wednesday news release from Halifax, the municipality is closing and de-designating five of the 11 encampments in the region “because better options now exist.” People staying at encampments at Grand Parade, Victoria Park, Saunders Park, the Geary Street green space, and the Correctional Centre Park in Lower Sackville must leave those areas by Feb. 26.
“The municipality remains committed to ensuring those sleeping rough are provided better alternatives, working toward having safer, long-term housing options for everyone who needs them. Indoor facilities are a better option than sleeping rough,” the release states. “They offer much needed supports and provide a warm space, electricity, running water, showers, laundry services, regular meals and a place to store belongings.
“From a public health and safety perspective, access to safe drinking water, sanitary services, and environments free of rodents, physical, biological and fire hazards is important.”
