Halifax issues closure notice for Geary Street encampment

CITYnews halifax / By Dan Ahlstrand

Halifax Regional Municipality officials say they are closing and de-designating the Geary Street green space as a designated encampment site.

In a release to the media Wednesday morning, the municipality said that notices were issued Tuesday to individuals sheltering at the site, advising them to relocate by June 22. The region says those currently sleeping rough will be supported in moving to indoor shelter options or, if necessary, to another designated outdoor location.

Officials say several spaces are available across multiple provincially funded indoor shelters and temporary housing sites.

The city says Geary Street has seen consistently low usage over the past three years, and in recent months recorded the lowest occupancy among all designated sites.

HRM says supports during the transition period will include transportation for people and their belongings, along with temporary storage and help connecting with appropriate shelter or housing options. Provincial service providers will assist with matching individuals to suitable placements.

Related:

• Halifax council narrowly votes to keep list of potential designated encampments
• Halifax south end homeless encampment now vacated after 3 told to leave
• ‘Completely nuts’: Premier takes aim at Halifax decision to designate new encampment sites

As of May 23, the municipality recorded 51 tents and four trailers across the remaining designated sites. The city says these locations were established in July 2022 as temporary measures to address an immediate need for those without housing.

Officials say the municipality will continue to phase out designated sites as more permanent shelter and housing spaces come online. The goal, they say, is to return those public areas to their intended use.

More information on available supports and ongoing efforts to address homelessness is available at: halifax.ca/addressinghomelessness.