Police escort last resident out of Victoria Park
The last person sleeping rough in a tent in Victoria Park in downtown Halifax was escorted out by police on Friday morning.
In an update issued by HRM staff on Friday, there was one person left sleeping at the park who needed to move for safety reasons. There were 15 to 18 people in the park when it was one of five designated encampments that was de-registered on Feb. 16.
“This morning, heavy equipment was returned to the park to continue on-site work. As has been regularly communicated with the remaining individual, municipal staff again advised that they must immediately vacate Victoria Park for their safety,” staff wrote in the update.
“With the assistance of Halifax Regional Police, this individual was removed from the site without incident.”
On Monday, city crews started installing fencing around the park and several people moved their tents to nearby University Ave.
HRM staff said that health and safety conditions at Victoria Park have steadily declined, putting people there “in an increasingly vulnerable situation.” Since the eviction notices went out on Feb. 7, municipal and provincial staff as well and other services providers have often visited the park to offer other options to the residents.
Now that the park is vacant, HRM staff said the fencing will stay up “for the safety of the public and contractors as clean-up efforts continue.” Crews will test for contaminants in the soil and that will inform the next steps.
THREE PEOPLE STILL AT GRAND PARADE
There are three people still living in Grand Parade. Conversations about other options and resources are ongoing there as well, HRM staff said. Some fencing has gone up there to support remediation efforts.
“For those who do not or cannot accept an indoor option, street navigators and municipal housing and homelessness staff are advising individuals that there are four designated locations, and to consider moving to the designated location at the Barrington Street green space as it has power,” staff wrote in the update.
Staff added that when this de-designation and remediation work is finished, they will shift focus on the four remaining designated encampments and the work to create more shelters and housing alternatives.