Homeless issue has only grown worse since Halifax encampment evictions
A year ago Thursday, complete chaos broke out in downtown Halifax when police and protesters clashed over the eviction and demolition of homeless encampments across the city.
A year later, the homelessness situation grows worse. At last count, there are more than 650 people experiencing homelessness in the Halifax region.
Advocates say all levels of government need to treat the issue with more urgency and no longer evict people from parks who are living in tents and temporary shelters.
"Moving people around through force or threat of force is not a solution," said Drew Moore, a volunteer with P.A.D.S which stands for Permanent, Accessible, Dignified and Safe-Housing for All.
The housing advocacy group formed in the wake of the Aug. 18 evictions and have set up a rally one year after the evictions took place to continue to raise awareness about homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.
"We need people talking and thinking through, what would it look like to come up with real solutions to the housing and homelessness crisis," said Moore. "I know the province says they are working on housing but not with the urgency that this crisis requires."
At this time last year, 316 people were living rough. As of Thursday, 469 people have been identified as chronically homeless and have been living rough for more than six months.
According to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, several housing projects are coming down the pipeline but it still won't be enough.
"It just speaks to the lack of affordable housing options and this in spite of a lot of units in the pipeline that we are waiting to come on board, it isn't enough," said Jim Graham, AHANS executive director.
The rental vacancy rate continues to sit dangerously low at one percent and it's driving up the cost of apartments. Despite the increased development and the sight of more tower cranes in the sky -- there are still not enough affordable housing options.
"It's not easy to do housing," said Graham. "There's a process and it takes time. And are there enough resources... maybe not?"
By resources, Graham means money and advocates say more funds need to be directed from all levels of government to create more permanently affordable housing options.
"For every person that there is an option for, there are two or three more people who are finding themselves without housing options," said Moore. "What the government is doing, just isn't keeping pace with the magnitude of the crisis."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.