Halifax city officials discuss new tent site locations as homeless encampments overflow
Halifax’s approved encampment sites are overflowing, putting pressure on the city to open more.
As of Tuesday, 70 people were staying in spaces designed for only 26 individuals.
“That’s why we need to look at additional temporary designated locations to create some space,” says Max Chauvin, director of housing and homelessness in Halifax.
Chauvin says the city is anticipating up to 300 people experiencing homelessness could be in the area by summer. He says locations for the new sites haven’t been chosen yet.
“We will look at locations like near transit and near services people need and so on, but we haven’t determined the final locations yet,” he said.
Hans-Eric Gurholt is one of about 20 people staying in the median on University Avenue in Halifax.
He says he lost his bed in a shelter because he returned after hours without giving notice he’d be late.
“Most people in shelters don’t want to be there because it lacks privacy, etcetera. There’s all kinds of things that go on around shelters,” says Gurholt.
Despite being in an over-capacity encampment, Gurholt says the city is doing a good job at providing services and options to those living in tents.
“Every day they come and check it seems and they come and check, and they come and put tents up,” Gurholt says.
According to city officials, there is room available at shelters throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Chauvin says he expects any newly designated tenting sites will be temporary and they will be shut down when the province’s housing projects are complete.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.