Wed Sep 18 19:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Nova Scotia Announces Final Locations for Pallet Shelter Villages

**Dartmouth & Halifax, NS** – The Nova Scotia government has announced the final locations for two Pallet shelter villages, offering temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The first village will be situated on Bancroft Lane in Dartmouth, near Windmill Road and Wright Avenue. This location was recently designated as a homeless encampment by the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), but the province has opted to establish a more substantial shelter village with 24/7 staffing, security, and amenities like electricity, a kitchen, showers, and washrooms.

The second village will be located in Clayton Park, Halifax, a site already being prepared by the province.

Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire emphasized the province’s commitment to housing, stating, “We’re in the business of homes, housing, transitional housing. We reached out to HRM and had a conversation” regarding the Bancroft Lane site.

Councillor Tony Mancini, representing the area, expressed that while he would prefer no shelter at all, the Pallet village is a step up from the original encampment plan. He anticipates residents moving in by November and will host a public meeting for residents before then.

The province has purchased 200 Pallet shelters, costing $7.5 million, which are being rolled out across the province.

The announcement comes after the province abandoned plans to install Pallet shelters at Shannon Park in Dartmouth.

Concerns have been raised by local residents regarding safety and lack of consultation at some shelter village locations. The province is working with community groups to manage operations and connect residents with essential services.

The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia reported 1,264 people needing safe housing in Halifax as of September 11th, with approximately 160 individuals sleeping rough in the urban core.

The Pallet shelter villages represent a temporary solution to the growing housing crisis in Nova Scotia, providing a safe space while efforts continue to find permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness.

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