HRM release:
Today, the Halifax Regional Municipality is de-designating the University Avenue green space due to safety concerns related to upcoming winter snow clearing operations in this area. During winter weather, snow is cleared from University Avenue with heavy equipment working in very close proximity to the University Avenue green space. With the increase in people sleeping rough at this location, when snow clearing efforts begin, it will no longer be safe for people to shelter in this area.
In advance of the winter weather, municipal staff are providing people sleeping rough with notices to leave the University Avenue green space. People currently sleeping rough at the University Avenue green space will have until November 1 to relocate to other indoor options. A copy of the notice is available here.
During this approximately five-week period, those currently sleeping rough at this location will also be offered resources and supports, including transportation of people and their belongings to provincially-funded indoor shelter and housing options, or to other municipal designated locations that are available. Temporary storage of belongings will also be offered by the municipality.
Provincial service providers will be working with those sleeping rough to determine which provincial indoor shelter or housing options are appropriate for them.
Indoor shelter and housing options
The Province of Nova Scotia has provided funding and other supports to a number of indoor shelter and housing options. More information on these options is available on the provincial webpage here.
For more information about ongoing efforts by the municipality to help address homelessness in our region, visit: halifax.ca/addressinghomelessness.