High acuity encampment residents in Halifax pose unique challenge for service providers
Almost two weeks after an eviction notice deadline passed, about six people remain at the University Avenue tent encampment in Halifax.
“There are some people still there and we're continuing to work with the province and the service providers to find options,” says Max Chauvin, director of housing and homelessness for the Halifax Regional Municipality.
“We do need people off of that site for winter because of snow and ice clearing operations.”
Chauvin says there is room at some of the shelters around the city but those models don't necessarily work for everyone.
“The option may not be structured in a way that supports their needs. They may have particular concerns or experiences that make it impossible for them to go inside,” Chauvin says.
A tent set up along University Avenue in Halifax is seen on Nov. 14, 2024. (CTV Atlantic/Jonathan MacInnis)
At last count, there were still 150 people staying outside. That is a cause for concern for the CEO of the Spring Garden Road Area Business Association.
“At the recent safety information meeting that we had with the city, we just learned yesterday that the province has no plan to build a shelter for those with the highest acuity needs,” says Sue Uteck.
“When we look at University Avenue, we're down to approximately five or six people. There is no place for them to go for the winter and technically in reality, it means that the most vulnerable sector of the homelessness population is going to be left to fend for themselves for the winter.”
“There could be a variety of reasons why somebody chooses not to move indoors. Perhaps the supports aren't right for them, perhaps they have other concerns that we haven't been able to address in the short term,” adds Chauvin.
Chauvin says in the end, if somebody chooses to stay outside this winter, they will help them relocate to one of the city's other designated encampment sites.
For more Nova Scotia election news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
N.Y. prosecutors charge Luigi Mangione with murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO, court records show
Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors filed murder and other charges against Luigi Nicholas Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, according to an online court docket.
Union dropped wage demand to 19% over four years in Canada Post negotiations: CUPW
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reportedly dropped its wage demand to 19 per cent over four years, CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant told CTV News.
Taxpayer-funded Eras Tour tickets returned by federal minister
While tens of thousands of fans packed Vancouver's BC Place for the last shows of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this weekend, a federal cabinet minister wasn't one of them.
Sudbury, Ont., family traumatized after hospital said loved one had been released, when in fact they had passed away
Sudbury resident Angela Vitiello says a staff member at Health Sciences North told her that her brother, Allan St. Martin, was released from the hospital late last month when, in fact, he had passed away.
What the upcoming holiday GST relief will mean for consumers
The federal government's GST break will arrive this Saturday, just in time for the last stretch of holiday shopping.
Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats.
Katie Holmes refutes story about daughter Suri Cruise’s fortune
Katie Holmes has posted a screen grab of a Daily Mail article, which reported that her 18-year old daughter, whose father is Tom Cruise, is now a "millionaire."
Polygamous U.S. sect leader gets 50 years in prison in scheme to orchestrate sex involving children
A polygamist religious leader in the U.S. who claimed more than 20 spiritual “wives” including 10 underage girls was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Monday.
Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time.