Halifax Regional Municipality sticking to eviction deadline
But promises ‘measured approach’ if encampment residents don't leave
Protests are planned against the encampment evictions on Monday and there are still 30 people living at these sites, but HRM says they are sticking to the Feb. 26 deadline.
In a statement issued on Friday, HRM staff wrote that “important progress” has been made to move people indoors since issuing a notice to vacate on Feb. 7. HRM is deregistering the Geary Street green space, Saunders Park, Victoria Park, Grand Parade and Correctional Centre Park in Lower Sackville as designated encampment sites for people experiencing homelessness.
There were 55 people in these encampments as of Feb. 7 but 25 have found indoor sheltering options, HRM staff reported. There were two people living at the Geary Street encampment who have been moved indoors and HRM staff say the park will be fenced “to enable staff to plan for remediation of the site.”
PALLET SHELTERS NOT READY
Pallet shelters are being installed by the province at Beacon House in Lower Sackville but are not ready yet for occupancy. HRM said they don’t have confirmation yet as to when they will be open. Reports last month said they would be ready by the end of February.
“Based on the progress made to date, the municipality expects that all those sheltering in the de-designated locations will comply with the notice to vacate by February 26,” HRM staff wrote. “However, if the date passes and not all individuals have vacated, there will be a measured approach where each situation will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.”
That could be a similar approach used by HRM to move people out of Meagher Park in August 2022 (which is still fenced off) and not the shelter removals that led to a massive protest and arrests in August, 2021.
They recognize not all people want to live in a shelter for several reasons — some feel it is like incarceration — but “we are working with the province to help those still sheltering outdoors to find options.”
“If someone sleeping rough in a de-designated location refuses to leave, the municipality will work with them to determine the barriers for them to accept the offer of an indoor option. The municipality will share this information with the province and service providers to help identify what steps can be taken to remove the barriers, so the individual is able and willing to accept an indoor sheltering or transitional housing option.”
PROTESTS
HRM staff said police may be present to “ensure public order is maintained, as required” but noted that HRM staffers don’t have the authority to direct policing operations.
As for protests planned for Saturday and Monday, HRM staff wrote that while people have a right to protest, "the municipality wants to make it clear that any violence and/ or destruction of property will not be tolerated and any unsafe situations will be dealt with as required, which would include support from police services.”
HRM crews will be fencing off sections of the parks as people leave.
HRM staff also hinted at long-term housing solutions that will be announced soon.