The Halifax police board has approved a new policy to guide police responses to homeless encampments, which outlines the roles and expectations for both Halifax Regional Police (HRP) and the Halifax RCMP. This policy comes after years of tension, including a 2019 protest when a homeless encampment in downtown Halifax was shut down. The new policy emphasizes that the response to homelessness, including decisions about maintaining or closing camps, should primarily be led by civilians such as street navigators, city staff, and health workers. Police will only intervene in cases of criminal activity or safety concerns.
HRP Chief Don MacLean acknowledged criticism that police are not doing enough to address safety at encampments but explained that simply removing people from these sites does not solve the underlying issues. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to homelessness.
Halifax’s new executive director of community safety, Rachel Boehm, shared that designated encampments were originally an emergency response to the housing crisis but are not sustainable in the long term. She highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to provide new shelters and temporary housing, which are helping people transition off the streets. A new multi-year framework is being developed to reduce homelessness, with a focus on reducing encampments and improving community safety. The framework will involve collaboration with the province and service providers, and measurable progress will be tracked. Currently, fewer than 100 people are sleeping rough in Halifax, with nearly 1,000 people or families still needing housing.
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