The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced in a news release Monday that the province is putting $6.4 million toward the creation of about 200 new affordable rental units in Kentville, Lantz, Halifax, and Cole Harbour. Some of that money will also go to five community housing groups, and five shelter upgrades in the […]
As winter approaches, residents of People’s Park, volunteers, and neighbours wait for a better housing solution
One volunteer says people "do not want to allow ourselves or the community to get enticed or get distracted" by the city's purchase of new modular units that will only meet the needs of a small percentage of the homeless population.
At any given moment, a car might pull up to a small park at the corner of Chebucto Road and Dublin Street in Halifax. The driver will get out and talk to a man standing on the sidewalk. The pair will exchange “hellos” and “how are yous.” Then the driver will pass along food, cash, […]
Council votes to approve $3.2 million for purchase of new modular housing units for locations in Halifax, Dartmouth
CAO Dubé said the modular units that had originally been slated for use by people living in city parks “will not meet our needs.”
Halifax councillors voted unanimously to approve $3.2 million for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of modular units for unhoused residents at two sites — one in Dartmouth and another in Halifax. Although a location for the Halifax site has yet to be determined, four modular units that can accommodate 24 people will be installed on […]
Nova Scotia premier says he won’t fight decision on discrimination against people with mental disabilities
Tim Houston: "The overriding goal is we want to make sure that the supports are in place and that's the directive the courts have given. It's the right thing to do, it's a human thing to do, and it's what we'll do."
Premier Tim Houston said his government won’t fight a Nova Scotia Court of Appeal decision that found the province systemically discriminated against people with disabilities. Three people with mental disabilities — Beth MacLean, Joey Delaney, and Sheila Livingstone — filed a human rights complaint in 2014 against the provincial government regarding their institutionalization in the […]
Nickel and dimed: How landlords skirt the law to hang onto damage deposits
When Zaynab moved out of the “downtownish” Sydney home she was renting last year, she expected to get back the $600 security deposit she had given her landlord at the start of the lease. A speech language pathologist who immigrated to Nova Scotia from Boston in 2018 (“I am Muslim, Iranian, and gay, and it […]
People’s Park: ‘None of this is sustainable’
A group of volunteers helping people living in tents and emergency shelters at a Halifax park say while they’re cautiously optimistic about regional council’s shift in direction yesterday, the current situation is unsustainable and they need immediate help. Claire Chadwick, a spokesperson with P.A.D.S. (Permanent, Accessible, Dignified, and Safer) Housing Network, said that as of […]
How the financialization of housing hurts renters and boosts profits
Morning File, Tuesday, June 15, 2021
News 1. Could cheap repurposed drugs help provide a way out of the pandemic? The Halifax Examiner is providing all COVID-19 coverage for free. Please help us continue this coverage by subscribing. One phenomenon I was not aware of before the pandemic was people being fans of specific drugs. My attitude towards pharmaceuticals generally involves listening […]
Lockdown is loosening and apples are blossoming
Morning File, Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Step out of lockdown and into “PHASE 1” of reopening, Nova Scotia. May we never look back … News 1. COVID-19 update Reopening, “Phase 1” As of 8am today, lockdown restrictions in Nova Scotia are lightening (slightly). We’re now in “phase 1” of the province’s reopening plan. Among the changes in restrictions: You can now […]
Why would we Google? Examineradio, episode #69
This week we speak with Jonathen Brigley of Nova Scotia ACORN about that organization’s push for mandatory landlord licensing in Halifax. Also, Peter Kelly’s cross-Canada tour of fiscal malfeasance continues. After improper loans to concert promoters and the mismanagement of a dead woman’s estate here in Halifax, he’s now accused of overstepping his authority money-wise in the Alberta […]