Homeless advocates disagree with Halifax mayor on housing crisis [Video]

HALIFAX –

The worst of Halifax’s homeless crisis is over, says the city’s new mayor, who wants to see encampments closed as quickly as possible — even as homelessness advocates vigorously disagree that the situation is improving.

Andy Fillmore, elected mayor Oct. 19 after resigning over the summer as Liberal MP for Halifax, says the city is coming out the other side of its dire housing shortage because of the new shelter and housing options available.

“I have great hopes that we, together with the province, are going to solve this housing crisis,” he said in a recent interview.

Nova Scotia funds 390 shelter beds in Halifax, with 40 more expected this winter. Additionally, since 2023 the province has opened an 185-unit transitional shelter in Halifax run by Adsum for Women and Children, and has established 50 single-occupancy shelters in the municipality, with 85 more planned for the area.

The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotiasays …