People living in 5 Halifax tent encampments told they must leave in coming weeks

People living in five tent encampment sites in Halifax are being ordered to leave in the coming weeks, with the municipality warning they could be fined or even arrested if they don’t comply.

The municipality is closing five of 11 designated sites, saying better options are now available for the people living in those tents. Residents must be out by Feb. 26.

A news release said the province and service providers have identified indoor sheltering and supportive housing options, and will be working with residents of the encampments to move indoors.

Notices were posted Wednesday morning at the Geary Street green space, Saunders Park, Victoria Park, Grand Parade and the Correctional Centre Park in Lower Sackville.

“Failure to remove any temporary or permanent accommodation from the Grand Parade, Victoria Park, Correctional Centre Park, Saunders Park, or the Geary Street green space, or vacate these properties following this direction from the Halifax Regional Municipality as owner, is an offence under the Protection of Property Act for which any person can be arrested by a peace officer and removed from the property,” the notices said.

A news release from the municipality said it “remains committed to ensuring those sleeping rough are provided better alternatives, working toward having safer, long-term housing options for everyone who needs them. Indoor facilities are a better option than sleeping rough.

“They offer much needed supports and provide a warm space, electricity, running water, showers, laundry services, regular meals and a place to store belongings.”

In summer 2022 and fall 2023, the municipality designated a number of sites for tent encampments. Six designated sites are still open.

“From the outset, the municipality has been clear that the creation of designated locations would be temporary,” the release said.

“They were established to address an immediate need to ensure people had a location to go to if they had no other option but to sleep rough.”