Halifax council defeats mayor’s ask to cut list of possible homeless sites

Halifax council has decided to maintain a list of potential sites for homeless encampments, despite Mayor Andy Fillmore’s push to scrap the list. The mayor’s motion was narrowly defeated during a recent council meeting, with some councillors deeming his request premature and “meaningless.”

Fillmore had campaigned on not opening additional sites and phasing out existing ones, citing concerns about the negative impact of encampments on both residents and individuals living in them. He argued that with vacancies at indoor shelters and new options on the horizon, the list of potential sites was unnecessary.

However, Chief Administrative Officer Cathie O’Toole highlighted upcoming initiatives by the province to address homelessness, including the opening of temporary Pallet shelters, supportive tiny homes, and other housing units. She also mentioned the possibility of a new winter shelter offering 50 beds.

Despite these efforts, several councillors raised concerns about the suitability of current options for individuals with complex health needs, including those dealing with addiction. City staff emphasized the importance of establishing a shelter in Halifax specifically designed to support individuals with addictions, even if they are intoxicated.

Two of the nine sites on the list, Geary Street green space in Dartmouth and Cogswell Park in Halifax, have already opened this summer. Councillors expressed apprehension about potential safety issues at these locations, with reports of criminal activity and concerns from neighboring residents.

In response to questions about safety, municipal staff assured councillors that they remain in communication with the police and are prepared to allocate dedicated officers to encampment sites if necessary. O’Toole also indicated that if the list of potential sites were removed, the council would still need to consider opening new locations in the future.

Coun. Shawn Cleary criticized the motion to scrap the list as “virtue signaling,” asserting that it would have little practical impact on individuals in encampments or their surrounding communities. Other councillors echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a plan for addressing homelessness.

As of October, the city estimated that over 100 people were sleeping rough in designated sites and other locations across Halifax, with a total of 1,268 individuals on the housing priority list. The provincial government noted that hundreds more shelter and supportive housing units would be opening in the coming months to address the growing need for housing.

Despite the challenges, council ultimately voted to retain the list of potential sites for homeless encampments, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Halifax. While Fillmore expressed disappointment with the decision, he remains optimistic about the city’s ability to transition away from encampments in the near future.