Residential care facility in Lockeport, N.S., officially closes

Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa, Friday, July 3, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

A residential care facility has closed its doors in Nova Scotia’s Shelburne County.

Atlantic Heights in Lockeport closed last Tuesday.

The closure is part of the province’s plan to transform disability support under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy.

The government must close all institutions for people with disabilities by the end of March 2028 as part of the remedy.

The province also ended all new admissions to adult residential centres, regional rehabilitation centres and residential facilities effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The five former Atlantic Heights residents are now living in their chosen communities.

The province says the residents worked with support coordinators to develop transition plans based on their individual goals, needs and preferences.

“This kind of change is a big moment in people’s lives, and we know it can come with excitement as well as adjustment,” said Minister of Opportunities and Social Development Susan Corkum-Greek in a provincial release.

“With thoughtful planning and strong supports in place, people are moving into communities in ways that feel right for them. We’ll continue to be there as they settle in, making sure they feel safe, supported and confident as they build their next chapter.”

The release adds the former residents will continue to receive funded supports and the coordinators will help to make sure services continue as their needs or goals change.

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