Council to debate opening more space to tents as homeless population surpasses 1K in HRM

CITYnews halifax \ By Mark Hodgins

A staff report coming to Regional Council on Tuesday recommends new designated tenting locations to deal with overcrowding.

Staff say in some areas, more than seven times the recommended population uses the available space.

The report says a new tenting location will be set up on the Halifax Commons at North Park and Cogswell Street, creating space for 20 tents.  Grande Parade will also become an officially designated tenting space, as will the southern end of Victoria Park, moving tents away from the walkway and events area.

In the report, staff concede more room will still be needed, so the plan is to close two baseball diamonds on the north end of the Commons after this playing season ends in October, converting the area into a large homeless encampment.

City staff say that location would become a long-term encampment, as it is close to needed services and facilities.

Regional Council will meet at one o’clock on Tuesday afternoon.