New Year’s Day Levee ‘doesn’t feel right’ amid homelessness crisis: Halifax mayor

HALIFAX — The annual New Year’s Day levee held at Halifax City Hall has been cancelled by the mayor, who says he wants to show respect for the plight of those in a homeless encampment in front of the municipal building.

In an interview Friday, Mayor Mike Savage said that while he enjoys the New Year’s tradition, he made the decision after discussions with staff and others.

About 20 unhoused people are living in tents and bright red ice-fishing shelters in Grand Parade — the square directly facing Halifax City Hall.

“Something didn’t seem quite right to be celebrating the levee while people literally 100 yards away are living in tents,” said Savage, whose office looks out on the encampment.

“There’s no great logical progression of thought, it just didn’t feel right to me to do it.”

The mayor said council has approved donating the $8,500 that would have been spent on the levee to the North End Community Health Centre to provide meals for people living on the streets. 

“This was one (organization) we thought was suitable because it does feed people who are on the street and need a meal,” Savage said.

With a growing crisis of homelessness in many Canadian cities, Savage said the issue must be a priority for elected leaders.

“I talk to a lot of mayors about homelessness across the country, and even internationally, and it is very much on the minds of mayors,” he said. “We feel this.”

Savage said he’s been encouraged by talks over the past week with the provincial government about further steps that can be taken to help people who are living outdoors. One of those steps, he said, will likely involve providing electrical services to make life a bit easier for people living in tents “until we can find a more permanent solution.”

Meanwhile, earlier this week, officials announced that the annual New Year’s Eve celebration that usually takes place on the Grand Parade will be held this year at another city landmark, the Halifax Common.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2023.

Keith Doucette, The Canadian Press