“Shocked and appalled”: Grande Parade, Victoria Park among five encampments being shut down

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Halifax is moving to shut down five encampments currently being used as tenting locations for people experiencing homelessness.

In a news release on Wednesday morning, the municipality said it was “de-designating” five locations: Grande Parade, Victoria Park, Saunders Park and Geary Street green space in Halifax and the Correctional Centre Park in Lower Sackville. The locations were closed as of Wednesday, it said.

“Those sheltering in these locations have been given direction to vacate by Monday, February 26,” read the release. “Supports, including information about available resources, transportation of people and belongings, continue to be made available.”

Stephen Wilsack, a volunteer instrumental in getting electricity connected to those living at Grande Parade, said the news came a surprise.

“I’m shocked and appalled,” Wilsack told the Todd Veinotte Show on Wednesday morning. “It’s a tragic day and a tragic experience for those involved.”

Wilsack said some people experiencing homelessness consider the new shelter at the Halifax Forum to be akin to a jail.

“If you go visit the shelter you’d see what it’s like,” Wilsack said. “Many residents have been there and it’s a traumatic experience.”

The municipality said the locations were being closed for safety reasons because “better options now exist”.

The statement said there were safety issues involving the people living in the encampments, with Halifax Fire reportedly responding to more than 110 calls over the past year related to encampments.

“There has been violence arising from encampments, accumulations of human feces, biohazardous waste, weapons and drug paraphernalia surrounding encampments, significant food waste leading to issues with rodents, as well as uncontrolled fires and propane cylinder explosions.”

The municipality said it was committed to continuing to work to create options for people experiencing homelessness, including efforts toward affordable housing.

Wilsack said he’s worried about what will happen when people are forced to leave later in February.

“The city has other encampment areas that are still valid so some residents will go there, but there are other people where this is going to be the last straw,” Wilsack said. “There’s going to be a lot of mental health challenges.”

On top of the five locations being closed, Beaufort Avenue Park and Martins Park were also de-designated. The municipality said those places were not being used for sheltering since being designated last fall.