Halifax opens 2 new designated encampment sites
The Halifax Regional Municipality opened two new designated encampment sites on Monday, growing the total amount of official sites in the region to six.
According to a news release from the municipality, the new sites are located at Cogswell Park in Halifax and the Geary Street green space in Dartmouth, N.S. (which was previously a designated site bfore the municipality removed it from the list in February).
"We've re-designated it primarily to create a space for those people staying at North Brook Park, which is not a designated location," said Max Chauvin, housing and homelessness director for the municipality. "North Brook has a playground structure and a trail through it and it's quite narrow.
"Geary Street has been swept for needles and a lot of other debris you saw in there. There was some broken-down bicycles, there was an old barbecue; all of those things have been removed."
The release notes the municipality has explored other options such as privately-owned land and more spaces from the provincial and federal governments.
"With more people becoming homeless all the time, we need a continual supply of units coming from the province to meet the demand," said councillor Sam Austin. "Otherwise we slip back into a place of people living outside because they have no other option."
Halifax Regional Council approved nine potential designated locations earlier this month. The list included the Halifax Common and Point Pleasant Park, which drew criticism from Premier Tim Houston, calling the idea “completely nuts.”
"When I saw some of the sites that the (Halifax Regional Municipality) has designated, I almost fell off my chair," he said at the time.
The release says the municipality will inform the public if any potential sites are opened as designated encampment locations.
“As part of the planning required before opening any new designated location, risk assessments were completed by Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency and site preparation will be completed today at both locations,” the release says. “People sleeping rough at these locations will be offered supports, including portable toilets, waste collection, bottled water distribution and seasonal maintenance.”
The other current designated encampment locations are:
- Barrington Street
- Green Road Park
- Lower Flinn Park
- University Avenue
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Timeline: The rise and fall of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political fortunes
In the wake of the NDP withdrawing its automatic support of the minority Liberal government, here is a timeline of key events charting the arc of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's fortunes in federal politics.
Sudbury OPP officer pleads guilty to stealing evidence during moose hunt investigation
A veteran staff sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police in Sudbury has been sentenced for stealing two items from a First Nations man and hiding what he did while his fellow officers searched for them.
Huge payout expected for a rare coin bought by Ohio farm family and hidden for decades
Three sisters from Ohio who inherited a dime kept in a bank vault for more than 40 years knew it had some value. But they had no idea just how much until just a few years ago.
Trump threatens to jail adversaries in escalating rhetoric ahead of pivotal debate
With just days to go before his first and likely only debate against U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump posted a warning on his social media site threatening to jail those “involved in unscrupulous behavior” this election, which he said would be under intense scrutiny.
Walz touts Democratic record of defending LGBTQ2S+ rights, says Harris will advance cause if elected
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz touted U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' record of defending LGBTQ2S+ rights on Saturday night, pledging to a supportive crowd that she will advance their cause if elected president.
Chased away by Israeli settlers, these Palestinians returned to a village in ruins
An entire Palestinian community fled their tiny West Bank village last fall after repeated threats from Israeli settlers with a history of violence. Then, in a rare endorsement of Palestinian land rights, Israel's highest court ruled this summer the displaced residents of Khirbet Zanuta were entitled to return under the protection of Israeli forces.
Kentucky community told to stay vigilant amid manhunt for 'armed and dangerous' person of interest in interstate shooting
A manhunt is ongoing for a suspect who authorities say shot into nine cars on an interstate south of Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday – leaving five people seriously injured, closing the interstate for hours and putting a rural community on edge.
Two men stabbed in a brawl that got out of hand in Old Montreal
Two men were injured in a brawl involving around ten people in downtown Montreal on Saturday night, according to the Montreal police (SPVM).
King Charles attends church prayers on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death
King Charles III attended church near the royal Balmoral estate in Scotland for prayers and reflection in remembrance of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday, the second anniversary of her death.