The Halifax Regional Municipality will once again provide provincial funding to assist those renting spaces at Dartmouth Shubie Campground as the cold winter weather approaches.
According to a provincial release issued on Friday morning, HRM will receive approximately $160,000 to keep up to 17 spaces open for rent and to support winter operations for 2025-26.
“Allowing a winter stay at Shubie Park gives residents certainty, connection, and access to wraparound supports as we continue to focus on sustainable housing options for Nova Scotians experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” Barbara Adams, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, said. “We’re committed to offering more safe, supported options as the temperature drops.
Municipal outreach teams will address any site-related concerns and ensure guests have access to adequate food, and provide navigation support for healthcare or social services. They will also work with people staying at the campground to help them find long-term housing solutions.
Essential services such as drinking water, snow clearing, wastewater services, and garbage collection will continue to be provided. HRM is currently working with eight people who have already moved into the campground.
Each site costs $250 a month to rent and includes electricity.
Halifax Mayor Andy Filmore says indoor spaces are a better option than sleeping rough, especially as winter approaches, and the municipality will continue working together with the province to address housing insecurity.
Last year, the province provided the HRM $145,000 for the 17 sites and in 2023, it spent $180,000 to keep 12 sites open, which included winterizing costs.
Campground residents must be willing to work with municipal outreach staff and add their names to the HRM by-name list of people experiencing homelessness to connect to other housing options and supports.
