Halifax to close homeless encampment at Lower Flinn Park

The municipality has announced it is closing and de-designating another encampment location in Halifax.

According to the city, notices were issued on Wednesday to people sleeping rough at the Lower Flinn Park encampment, near Quinpool Road, instructing them to leave by Dec. 7.

“As capacity for indoor shelters and supportive housing options continues to increase, the municipality is directing its focus away from the provision of designated locations and towards helping those experiencing homelessness access better indoor sheltering options,” read a release from the municipality.

The decision follows a shooting at the Lower Flinn Park encampment in late October that left a man with life-threatening injuries. Police said the shooting was not a random incident.

The city says as of Oct. 30, there were 59 tents and four trailers at the remaining designated encampments in the municipality.

“The municipality remains committed to ensuring those sleeping rough are provided with better alternatives, working toward having safer, long-term housing options for everyone who needs them,” the statement read.

Homelessness a still growing issue

A count of people experiencing homelessness in Halifax Regional Municipality showcases that the city still has work to do to help its vulnerable constituents.

The data from the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, an advocate organization, shows that 66 per cent of people are experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have been without a permanent address for at least 180 days over a year. This is a trend that a 2024 report from the organization highlighted as a growing issue within the region.

As of Sept. 10, the organization was able to identify and count 1,028 people who are homeless in HRM, with 667 considered chronically homeless.