Halifax homeless encampment near new seniors’ facility ordered to close

Steve Falshaw awoke to find an eviction notice on his grey tent in Cogswell Park in Halifax on Wednesday morning. The municipality has decided to close the designated encampment in the small green space near Windsor Street and Quinpool Road, giving the approximately nine residents living there about a month to vacate.

The reason behind the eviction is the opening of a new seniors’ facility in the area. Halifax officials stated that the site must be cleared out as it is too close to the new Shannex building, called Parkland on the Common. This decision has left Falshaw and others without a place to go, with Falshaw revealing that he is battling cancer and other health issues.

The encampment was established in July 2024 as a homeless site managed by the city, equipped with portable toilets and garbage pickup services. Initially designed to accommodate eight tents, the site expanded to accommodate up to 16 tents at times.

Max Chauvin, Halifax’s director of housing and homelessness, explained that municipal policy prohibits designated encampments from being within 50 meters of a seniors’ care facility entrance. The new Shannex building’s entrance is only about 20 meters away from the site, leading to the closure.

Chauvin mentioned that outreach workers will engage with the residents at Cogswell Park to assist them in finding alternative housing options, including available spaces in indoor shelters or temporary housing facilities operated by the province. Despite the challenges, Chauvin emphasized that individuals will have some choice in deciding their next steps.

Falshaw, who has been homeless for three years, expressed frustration at the situation, questioning why individuals are forced to live outdoors in a country as affluent as Canada. He highlighted his unsuccessful experiences with temporary housing options in the past, which often led to him being asked to leave.

On the other hand, Virginia Hinch, the area’s councillor, pushed for the closure of the site following ongoing safety concerns raised by nearby residents. Karla Nicholson, executive director of Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association, reported an increase in thefts, fires, and violence in the area since the encampment was designated.

While efforts are being made to find suitable housing solutions for the displaced individuals, the closure of Cogswell Park highlights the pressing issue of homelessness in Halifax. With a limited number of designated encampment sites operating beyond capacity, the city is faced with the challenge of ensuring that everyone experiencing homelessness has access to safe and stable housing options.

As the city grapples with addressing homelessness, the plight of individuals like Steve Falshaw underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to support vulnerable populations in Halifax.