Nova Scotia has only installed fewer than 10 per cent of the 200 self-contained, fibreglass shelters promised for homeless residents after more than eight months. The province’s Community Services Minister, Brendan Maguire, stated that work is underway to set up 96 more shelters in Kentville, Whitney Pier, and Dartmouth. However, locations for the remaining 85 units are still being determined. Maguire mentioned that the department is facing challenges in finding suitable locations due to human resources limitations, but they are actively looking for potential sites, including a former military housing community in Dartmouth.
In October 2023, Nova Scotia announced a $7.5 million investment in 200 shelters from the American company Pallet, with 100 designated for use in Halifax. Currently, there are 19 individuals housed in individual Pallet shelters at a site in Lower Sackville, along with separate washrooms and a laundry facility. According to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, 1,281 people in the Halifax Regional Municipality reported being homeless, with 892 of them considered chronically homeless. The province had also set up an emergency shelter in the Halifax Forum with a capacity for up to 100 beds, in addition to the existing 355 emergency shelter beds in Halifax and 493 province-wide.
Maguire mentioned that the capacity at the city’s shelters fluctuates daily, with some days at full capacity and others not. Halifax dismantled and cleared out three authorized encampments in city parks in March, leading to the growth of new undesignated encampments in the area. Four green spaces are designated for tenting sites by the municipality, but some are exceeding capacity, with the grassy berm near Dalhousie University recommended for six tents but currently accommodating 27. Nearby residents have reported increased noise and pests attributed to the encampments, sparking concerns in the community.
Efforts are ongoing to address the homelessness issue in Nova Scotia, with the province working to fulfill its commitment to providing shelters for those in need. Maguire acknowledged the challenges faced in finding suitable locations for the remaining shelters but reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing the issue. With a focus on expanding shelter capacity and providing resources for homeless individuals, the government continues to explore options for shelter villages in various communities, including repurposing existing spaces such as a former military housing community.
As the province grapples with the growing number of homeless residents, community organizations and government agencies are working together to provide support and resources. The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia plays a key role in gathering data on homelessness in the Halifax Regional Municipality and advocating for the needs of the homeless population. Emergency shelters and temporary housing solutions are being implemented to address immediate needs, while efforts are underway to establish more permanent and sustainable solutions for the long term. Despite challenges in finding suitable locations and human resources limitations, the government remains committed to finding innovative ways to address homelessness in Nova Scotia.
