Andy Fillmore, a candidate for Halifax mayor, has raised concerns that the municipality’s approach to homeless encampments has led to an influx of unhoused individuals from outside the province. Fillmore claims that the city’s provision of support services like outhouses and water at designated encampment sites has attracted people to Halifax.
However, housing advocates and city councillors have pushed back against Fillmore’s assertions. They argue that the majority of homeless individuals living in Halifax are local residents and that the city’s data does not support the claim that people are flocking to Halifax for its encampment sites.
Halifax Regional Police Const. Martin Cromwell stated that the police department does not have data to support Fillmore’s claim of homeless individuals coming from outside the province. Housing advocates Nikki Greer and Steve Wilsack, who work closely with homeless residents in Halifax, emphasized that the resources available in other provinces are often more robust than what Halifax offers.
Councillor Waye Mason, another mayoral candidate, refuted Fillmore’s claims and highlighted that the majority of homeless individuals in the city have been residents for a significant period. He criticized Fillmore’s statements as lacking compassion and potentially harmful to vulnerable populations.
Pam Lovelace, another Halifax councillor running for mayor, expressed concern over Fillmore’s proposal to evict individuals from tents within 24 hours of setting up outside designated encampment sites. Lovelace emphasized the need for empathy in addressing homelessness and criticized Fillmore’s approach as lacking in compassion.
Federal housing advocate Marie-Josée Houle warned against forced evictions of homeless encampments, highlighting the negative impact it can have on individuals’ human rights and well-being. She stressed the importance of providing adequate housing and support services to those in need before resorting to evictions.
In conclusion, while concerns have been raised about the impact of Halifax’s approach to homeless encampments, data and feedback from housing advocates and city officials suggest that the majority of homeless individuals in Halifax are local residents. The debate surrounding homeless encampments in Halifax underscores the need for compassionate and effective solutions to address homelessness and support vulnerable populations in the city.
