Police may be called in to clear Meagher Park

It seems Halifax Regional Police could soon be tasked with clearing a park that's become symbolic of the municipality's housing crisis. 

At an update to the city's efforts on homelessness on Tuesday, councillors were told people tenting at Meagher Park are no longer willing to leave on their own. Halifax had aimed to have relocated people in the park last month. 

Staff also says people in the neighbourhood have heard beatings happen at the park. They also said threats, slurs and property damage have been reported, and some staff trying to help out were made “uncomfortable” by protesters at the park. 

“It's clear from the presentation for me, the situation at Meagher cannot continue, it's gone on too long already and is deteriorating,” said councillor Sam Austin. 

But after the confrontation between police and protesters last August, other councillors voiced concern. 

“I'm feeling awfully nervous about this, I have to say,” offered councillor Cathy Deagle Gammon. “We need to protect those that are homeless, we need to support the residents living near Meagher Park, and how do you do that and keep it balanced and not have a repeat of last August?”

It's not clear how soon police could move in. CAO Jacques Dube told councillors once an official request is made, Chief Dan Kinsella will draft an enforcement plan.