Halifax-area man ordered to leave RV can stay — for now

The recent decision by the Halifax municipality to reverse their order for Matthieu Tetreault and his dog to vacate their housing has brought relief to the Wellington community just north of Fall River. Tetreault had been living in an RV and small addition on his mother’s property for the past year but was facing eviction due to a complaint regarding a violation of the local land-use bylaw.
After receiving an initial letter from HRM staff instructing him to leave by February 2, Tetreault was pleasantly surprised when he received an email stating that the order had been suspended, allowing him to stay for at least the next few months. The decision came after an outpouring of support from the community, with many individuals writing to the municipality and expressing their support for Tetreault on social media.
Halifax spokesperson Brynn Budden explained that the order was suspended in light of a pending staff report on whether RVs should be permitted for residential use, expected later this year. Safety concerns with the RV were also addressed, leading to the temporary reprieve for Tetreault and his furry companion, Harper.
Tetreault expressed his gratitude for the support he has received but remains cautious about his future living situation. With a report on RV bylaw changes expected to come before regional council in October, Tetreault is prepared to advocate for his right to stay in his current residence if necessary.
Tetreault’s mother, Michelle McClung, has called for the provincial government to consider creating a Nova Scotia-wide policy on RV living to provide consistency across different municipalities. Currently, regulations vary across Nova Scotia, with some areas allowing RVs for temporary camping while others have stricter rules against long-term residency.
As the council deliberates on potential bylaw changes regarding RV living, Budden assured that Tetreault’s situation will be revisited once a decision has been made. In cases where complaints are made about Halifax residents living in RVs, the city’s approach is to prioritize the safety of occupants and the surrounding community while considering any bylaw violations on a case-by-case basis.
Overall, the decision to suspend the eviction order for Tetreault and Harper reflects the ongoing discussions surrounding RV living in Halifax and highlights the importance of finding a balance between regulations and accommodating individuals who rely on alternative housing options.