Nova Scotia Struggles to Open Shelters for Unhoused Nearly a Year After Announcement

Only 80 of the 200 planned Pallet shelters are operational as winter approaches, with efforts ongoing to complete the remaining units.

Nova Scotia initially announced a $7.5 million project in October 2023 to provide 200 Pallet shelters for unhoused residents.
As of October 1, 2024, only 80 of these insulated, 70-square-foot shelters are ready for use in Halifax and Kentville.
The remaining 120 shelters are still under construction, with 85 slated for Halifax and 35 for Whitney Pier in Cape Breton.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has nearly 1,300 homeless individuals, with the province providing additional emergency shelter options.
Unhoused residents at a designated tent encampment on University Avenue must relocate by November 1 due to safety concerns.