Justine Stewart

Leduc, a city near Edmonton, is enhancing its support for the homeless as winter approaches, following a series of decisions aimed at better addressing the needs of its vulnerable population. In a recent announcement, Leduc revealed plans to invest $1.3 million over three years to bolster homelessness services. This includes hiring additional staff: a second […]

Marc Leger and his brother Ben have run Notre Dame de Parkton and the Laundromat Espresso Bar on St. George Street in Moncton, N.B., for 17 years. Their businesses are near several shelters and services for the homeless. While they strive to help and accommodate the city’s vulnerable population, they face increasing challenges due to

In Slave Lake, Alberta, a grey job-site trailer that once served as the town’s only homeless shelter is now closed permanently, following a town council decision in May. The shelter, which previously housed up to 20 people, was shut down due to community concerns citing drug abuse, theft, and trespassing. Since its closure, crime rates

Quebec announced a $7.6 million investment to enhance transitional housing and other services for the homeless in cities and towns outside its largest urban centers. Deputy Health Minister Lionel Carmant revealed the funding in Rimouski, with $347,000 earmarked for the city’s first transitional housing service. This initiative aims to address the increasing homelessness that has

Next week, the N.W.T. government will dismantle a homeless encampment on 51 Street in Yellowknife and will not establish a new formal encampment. Instead, the government plans to work directly with the individuals from the camp to explore alternative housing options. These options include finding space in shelters, staying with family, or, for those from

The Regina Street Team is expanding its outreach services beyond downtown Regina thanks to new provincial funding. The Saskatchewan government has allocated $205,000 for this year and up to $325,000 annually starting next year, as announced by Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky. Launched in May by the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (RDBID), the

In a heated seven-hour council meeting, Guelph councillors approved a new Public Spaces Bylaw with a 10-3 vote. Mayor Guthrie emphasized that this bylaw is a first for Guelph, aimed at regulating the use of public spaces, particularly concerning encampments. Tents will be permitted in designated areas but banned near rivers, schools, daycares, and busy

Montreal is launching a pilot project to address its growing homelessness crisis through modular housing units. Robert Beaudry, the city’s executive committee member for housing, explained that these modular units will serve as temporary accommodations, bridging the gap between emergency shelters and permanent social housing. Expected to house people for a couple of years while

Stephen Wilsack, who spent last winter living among homeless individuals in downtown Halifax, is collaborating with Dalhousie University to design innovative micro-homes. The project began when James Forren, director of Dalhousie’s School of Architecture, visited the Grand Parade tent encampment and sought ways to contribute. Forren reached out to faculty, including Eric Stotts, a sessional

Mark Arcand, head of the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), criticizes mayoral candidates who use the STC Wellness Centre as a political tool. He believes that politics and insufficient investments are exacerbating the homelessness crisis in Saskatoon. Arcand is open to relocating the Wellness Centre but insists it must be properly equipped, noting current deficiencies in