During Halifax council Tuesday, an information report was brought forward highlighting that the municipality remains on track to close all designated encampments by November 2027. According to the municipality, this is not a new approach or change to policy. The updated framework to address homelessness was announced in November 2025. “Our focus remains on offering individuals safe and appropriate indoor alternatives whenever possible,” says Laura Wright, senior public affairs advisor with the municipality. “We continue to work collaboratively with service providers, the Province and the Coordinated Access system to identify available housing and shelter options and support individuals in accessing them before any closure activities take place.” The information report highlights the municipality’s eight strategic actions presented in an updated strategy to address homelessness in the HRM from 2026 to 2028: PJ Mackay, who lives at the Green Road Park designated encampment, says she doesn’t know what’s next for her if they close the space. “There are always going to be people needing a place like this. With the cost of rents going up all the time, and people being evicted say for their pets,” says Mackay. Another woman who lives at the Barrington Street encampment and wishes not to be identified for safety reasons says she set up her site two weeks ago. She says she experienced rent eviction and has no other option. “Where do they suggest we stay? There are only so many beds in these shelters. I have been calling for quite some time and they are all full and you can’t stay in these encampments. There are only so many Pallet houses that have WiFi that sometimes, obviously, we think, invade your privacy,” she says. The information report noted 72 people were living at four designated encampments last year and now 36 people are living at the two remaining sites. This is one reason why the municipality highlights they are able to proceed with the plan to close the encampments. “It is concerning me very much because like I say, with myself I don’t know where I am going to go. I don’t know how anyone is going to cope if they close this down and there is nowhere to go,” says Mackay. Mayor Andy Fillmore was not available for an interview Wednesday. The municipality says their teams work to understand the needs of each person willing to engage with services. “The waiting list is two to three years, therefore you are in a homeless shelter for that long,” says the woman on Barrington Street. “I am not understanding this because it costs the taxpayers approximately $100 a day per person for 30 days. That’s $3,000 a day per person. That is roughly $70,000 a year, so why not give us the money to be able to get an apartment instead of wasting two to three years of our lives in order to receive shelter.” The municipality says it makes every effort to connect those experiencing homelessness with suitable accommodations available within the system. “While these efforts are not always successful, our commitment is to provide meaningful support, explore available options and work with partners to help individuals transition indoors whenever possible. We recognize that housing needs are diverse and often complex, and we will continue to take a person-centred approach in supporting those affected,” says Wright. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
