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Municipal statement regarding the designated outdoor sheltering location at Grand Parade

Waterfront Media HFX Updated November 22, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Municipal statement regarding the designated outdoor sheltering location at Grand Parade
**** HRM Media Release

Municipal statement regarding the designated outdoor sheltering location at Grand Parade

The Halifax Regional Municipality is providing the below clarification regarding the designated outdoor sheltering location at Grand Parade.

Regional Council in October 2023, designated Grand Parade as an outdoor sheltering location with a proposed occupancy of no more than eight tents.

Given the opening of the Province of Nova Scotia’s emergency shelter and the safety concerns regarding snow clearing in Grand Parade, the municipality’s objective is to reduce the number of tents currently on site to a maximum of eight, especially with winter approaching. Municipal outreach workers and street navigators are engaging with those currently sheltering in Grand Parade to offer assistance, as required.

There are multiple alternative locations for those currently sheltering outside, including the provincial emergency shelter and the municipality’s designated outdoor sheltering locations.

As other alternative locations and options become available, the municipality will reassess Grand Parade as a designated location.

Helping address homelessness

The Halifax Regional Municipality recognizes that everyone deserves a home.  While the province is responsible to lead addressing homelessness in all of Nova Scotia’s municipalities, the Halifax Regional Municipality also has an important role to play – and is committed to applying resources to support efforts aimed at helping to address homelessness in the Halifax region. This work is guided by the municipality's Framework for Addressing Homelessness. As housing insecurity continues to be an issue in the region, work with community partners and other levels of government has significantly accelerated, and collaboration has expanded to help address both affordable housing and homelessness. The Province of Nova Scotia has the mandate to provide:
  • Public housing and programs for people with low to modest income
  • Affordable housing throughout the province, including housing options for those experiencing homelessness
Residents with questions related to provincial supports and services for those experiencing homelessness can contact 211 for more information.

Designated Outdoor Sheltering Locations

Designated outdoor sheltering locations are spaces in municipal parks where those experiencing homelessness can camp for the purpose of sheltering. Municipal staff regularly visit designated outdoor sheltering locations to ensure adequate services are provided and mitigate issues where possible. For more information on designated outdoor sheltering locations, see Common Questions. *Note: This map will be updated to include Grand Parade.
Alt text: An overview map of the designated outdoor sheltering locations.
Below are the current designated outdoor sheltering locations. A map of each can be seen by selecting the location name.
The municipality is aware that the demand for tent locations often exceeds the existing capacity. Municipal staff continue engaging with those currently experiencing homelessness to raise awareness of available resources, including designated outdoor sheltering locations that have capacity, as well as accommodation options at emergency shelters and long-term supportive housing facilities available through the province. The municipality is also working with the province to build 100 pallet shelters, expected in winter 2023/24, and a 52-unit tiny home community, expected by fall 2024. .
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