Achi news desk-
The number of people experiencing homelessness in the Halifax region continues to climb, with 1,222 people on the by-name list as of April 23.
People who work with the homeless population say this figure is likely to be much higher given the voluntary nature of the list of names.
As homelessness increases, Halifax Regional Municipality is considering expanding and adding more designated camping sites.
Despite the recent closure of five such sites and an initial aim to avoid creating more, the growing homeless population and lack of better housing options have pushed the municipality to establish additional camping sites.
“There are a number of very exciting initiatives planned for the province, such as Pallet shelters and tiny homes,” said Max Chauvin, director of housing and homelessness in Halifax. “But their timing is going to be slightly offset by what we see now, which is an increasing need for shelter outside, so we are looking at possibly establishing some more designated locations to bridge that gap.”
Currently, there are four designated camping sites in Halifax, including the Barrington Greenway, the berm on University Avenue, Green Road Park, and Lower Flynn Park. However, the four sites are already overcrowded according to Chauvin and more tents are appearing in other unauthorized sites around the city.
Residents such as Robert Denman and Shelley Boudreau have recently set up tents at the University Avenue campsite. They prefer tents over shelters because of the lack of restrictions.
“I feel relaxed and at home here,” Denman said. “There’s nobody coming to bother you. No one is coming to disturb you.”
“I won’t go to a shelter,” Boudreau said. “There’s a curfew. I’m like 50 years old. Why do I need a curfew?”
The camping site at University Avenue is temporary and will close in the fall, as it is not considered safe during snow clearing operations due to its location on green spaces wedged between two lane of traffic.
Efforts are underway to provide better options for the homeless, such as Pallet shelters, with more than 50 planned for the former camp site in Lower Sackville, although completion timetables are uncertain.
As summer approaches, more people are expected to go out and find shelter in tents, prompting the municipality to recognize the urgent need for additional temporary space.
“It’s really about finding enough space that people can have a place to go while we wait for those new options to come online,” Chauvin said.
Halifax council will review the homelessness report on May 7 and explore options for new designated camping sites.
