Lower Flinn Park in Halifax the day after the Dec. 7 deadline to vacate. Photo by Ally Bowes /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentHalifax Regional Municipality is moving forward with the closure of the Lower Flinn Park encampment, a month after the site was de-designated and weeks after a shooting and fire caused concerns for safety in the area. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn a news release Wednesday, the municipality said crews started the process after giving residents more than four weeks to vacate. HRM de-designated the site on Nov. 5. That day, 24 notices were issued to those living at the park giving them a deadline of Dec 7 to relocate. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHRM said outreach staff and navigators, along with community safety staff like housing and homelessness co-ordinators, have been working directly with residents “to connect them to available indoor shelter or temporary housing options and address any needs, including assisting them with transportation for them and their belongings.” Article contentCompliance staff have been doing check-ins on the site regularly, reminding residents that the site could no longer be used as a living space and instructing them to prepare for relocation. Article contentAs of Wednesday morning, HRM said staff had confirmed there was one unoccupied tent left at the site and crews had begun installing fencing and clearing the area. Article contentArticle contentAccording to the statement, due to heavy use as an encampment, Lower Flinn Park will need environmental remediation. Article contentArticle contentThe move follows several safety incidents near the site. In October, a shooting left a man with life-threatening injuries, prompting residents to say online that they no longer felt safe. More recently, a propane explosion and fire on the site added to those concerns. Article contentHRM said the designated encampments were always intended to be temporary. They were put in place in July 2022 as an emergency measure for unhoused people when no other options existed. As of Dec. 5, the municipality has determined there are 23 tents and four trailers at the two remaining designated sites. Article contentThe municipality said that as more indoor options become available, more designated areas will be closed. Article contentThe statement emphasized that HRM is working toward safer long-term housing for those who need it. It said, The municipality remains committed to ensuring those sleeping rough are provided with better alternatives.” Article content
Halifax begins closing former Lower Flinn Park encampment
