Provincial officials say there is capacity for people impacted by Halifax encampment closures

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

There is capacity in shelters and other options for people experiencing homelessness being impacted by Halifax’s decision to close some encampments, Premier Tim Houston said on Thursday.

His comments come one day after the municipality announced it was de-designating five encampments, including the ones at Grande Parade and Victoria Park. People have been given until Feb. 26 to vacate.

“We’re aware of the decision to close the encampments that are within the municipality’s boundaries and that’s in their jurisdiction,” Premier Tim Houston told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Houston said the province has created 170 indoor spaces since November and he believes there is capacity for those impacted by the closures. On Wednesday, HRM’s director of homelessness Max Chauvin said about 55 people were living in the five encampments that are being closed.

“We agree with HRM that people should be inside where it’s warm and people have access to those services,” Houston said.

Community Services minister Trevor Boudreau said he was made aware of HRM’s decision this week.

“Our department has been very focused on providing supports, places for people to stay, and we’ve come up with a number of different options,” Boudreau said. “We recognize that there are challenges, everybody is individual.”

Boudreau agreed with the premier that there is capacity for people. He said the 19 Pallet Shelters set to go up outside Beacon House will be ready by the end of February, and the Halifax Forum shelter has been increased to 70 beds with potential for as many as 90.

He also said discussions are ongoing regarding a lease extension at The Bridge hotel in Dartmouth.

“The Bridge has been a great example of an innovative way to support people experiencing homelessness,” Boudreau said.

The minister also pointed to the Waverley Inn, which is being converted into a shelter for women and gender-diverse people, and a tiny home community.