N.S. news: Halifax could add more encampment sites [Video]

The number of people experiencing homelessness in the Halifax region continues to climb, with 1,222 people on the by-name list as of April 23.

People working with the homeless population say this figure is likely much higher given the voluntary nature of the by-name list.

As homelessness increases, the Halifax Regional Municipality is considering expanding and adding more designated encampment sites.

Despite the recent closure of five such sites and an initial aim to avoid creating more, the growing homeless population and lack of better housing options has pushed the municipality to establish of additional encampment sites.

“There’s a number of really exciting initiatives coming forward for the province, like Pallet shelters and tiny homes,” said Max Chauvin, director of housing and homelessness in Halifax. “But their timing is going to be slightly offset from what we see now, which is a growing need for sheltering outside, so we are …