Halifax homeless encampment on Windsor Street ordered to close
Steve Falshaw was startled awake by an eviction notice pinned to his grey tent in a Halifax park on Wednesday morning. The municipality had made the decision to close down the designated encampment along Windsor Street near Quinpool Road, where approximately nine individuals had been residing. The reason cited for the eviction was the proximity of the site to a new tower catering to seniors.
“It’s a pretty lousy thing to do, actually. They’ve got nowhere to put us,” expressed Falshaw, who is battling cancer and other health issues. The Cogswell Park site, established in July 2024 as a managed homeless encampment by the city, boasted amenities like portable toilets and garbage collection. Originally meant to accommodate eight tents, the site eventually expanded to house around 16 tents at its peak.
Max Chauvin, the director of housing and homelessness in Halifax, explained that according to municipal policy, designated encampments cannot be within 50 meters of the entrance to a seniors’ care facility. The new Shannex building, Parkland on the Common, which features premium apartments for seniors along with full-time care facilities, was located just 20 meters away from the encampment.
In response to the closure, outreach workers were dispatched to assist the residents in finding alternative accommodations, including indoor shelters and temporary housing options run by the province. However, Falshaw, who has been homeless for the past three years, expressed his frustration at the lack of suitable long-term solutions.
Meanwhile, Virginia Hinch, the councillor for the area, had raised concerns about safety issues and requested the closure of the Cogswell Park site back in July. Reports of thefts, fires, and violence in the vicinity had prompted the decision to shut down the encampment.
As the city works towards reclaiming the park and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and businesses in the area, efforts are being made to accommodate the displaced individuals in other designated encampment sites around Halifax and Dartmouth. Despite the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in Halifax, outreach efforts continue to provide support and assistance to those in need.
The plight of individuals like Steve Falshaw sheds light on the ongoing struggle faced by many in finding stable housing and support services. As the city grapples with addressing homelessness and providing adequate resources, the need for collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions remains paramount in ensuring the well-being of all members of the community.
