The Nova Scotia government will pull funding for a New Glasgow, N.S., shelter that has heavily criticized by the community and town council. On Wednesday, the provincial government said its funding for the Northstar Shelter would end following a 90-day transition period. The province noted it’s moving towards a mix of shelter, transitional housing and supportive housing options. “A transition team of outreach workers and professionals experienced in complex case management will work with shelter guests to identify alternate housing and supports,” a news release from the government reads. The Northstar Shelter, formerly known as Viola’s Place, originally opened in 2018 and expanded in 2022. Last month, the Town of New Glasgow council voted unanimously for the shelter to close immediately, citing problems with drug use, vandalism and theft. Deputy Mayor Dawn Peters previously told CTV News Atlantic that police have spent more than $1 million to address those issues around the shelter. “We feel that the current shelter that is in place does not meet their needs adequately, which is why we are seeing an increase in safety issues within our downtown,” said Peters. “Not only that, we have a lot of financial burden as well.” With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Andrea Jerrett and Emma Convey For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
