**** HRM Media Release
Municipal statement regarding the
University Avenue green space de-designated location
This morning, the Halifax Regional Municipality engaged directly with individuals at the de-designated University Avenue green space to move the closure process forward.
On Sept. 24, the municipality announced that the University Avenue green space was de-designated as a location where people could shelter. This was due to safety concerns related to upcoming winter snow clearing operations in the area. Approximately 35 individuals staying at this location were told through written notice that they had until Nov. 1 to relocate to other indoor options. The Sept. 24 statement is available here, as well as a copy of the notice.
Over the past several weeks, the municipality has taken a number of steps to provide support to those who had been sleeping rough in the University Avenue green space. Municipal compliance staff and housing and homelessness coordinators have been on-site multiple times to offer supports and resources. This includes transportation of people and their belongings to provincially-funded indoor shelters and housing options, or to other municipal designated locations that are available, as well as temporary storage of belongings.
As of 8 a.m., there were three people still sheltering at this site. As part of the municipality’s civilian-led approach, compliance staff communicated with individuals at the University Avenue green space, reminding them that they cannot remain in this de-designated location, to pack their belongings for transportation or storage and to vacate the site.
Supporting people sleeping rough in designated locations
As of Nov. 28, municipal housing and homelessness staff determined that there were 62 tents and three trailers in the five designated locations. The municipality will continue to engage with individuals to identify what supports and resources are available to them. The municipality’s number one priority has been, and continues to be, treating those experiencing homelessness with dignity and continuing to find ways to provide support within our organization’s capacity and scope.
The municipality remains committed to ensuring those sleeping rough are provided with better alternatives, working toward having safer, long-term housing options for everyone who needs them.
Indoor shelter and housing options
Provincial service providers continue to work with those sleeping rough to determine which provincial indoor shelter or housing options are appropriate for them.
The Province of Nova Scotia has provided funding and other supports to a number of indoor shelters and housing options. More information on these options is available on the provincial webpage here.
For more information about ongoing efforts by the municipality to help address homelessness in our region, visit: halifax.ca/addressinghomelessn
Updates on the status of the de-designated location at the University Avenue green space will continue to be provided as needed.
