N.S. organization offers alternative to police-led Meagher Park eviction

More than 12 Nova Scotian organizations working with detained people and other marginalized groupsbring other options before bringing policeI signed a letter asking the government to consider it. In the park of Halifax. The

letter contained some recommendations on "alternative ways to advance the peaceful relocation of individuals evacuated to Miger Park."

Meeger Park, also known as People's Park, is located on Chevkt Road. Since the eviction of thepolice-led camp in August 2021, uncontained people have remained there. So, I will force an order for vacant seats on the site.

This summer, councilors have designated four municipal park locations where detainees can set up tents, but those staying at Meeger Park will be left by July 17. He said he had to.

The deadline has passed, but the municipality said it had about four to five residents left, along with protesters.

Read more:Halifax police called for enforcement of vacancy orders at Meeger Park

Issued A letter from the organization Late Friday night, police said police should not be involved in the relocation of people staying at Meeger Park.

"We urge the city to stop at the police and ask the service provider and support community to wrap up the Miger Park camp for seven days to implement this alternative." Said the letter.

"People currently evacuated to the park are meaningfully involved in the choice of new location and provide viable alternatives to relocation centered on health, safety concerns and dignity. I strongly believe it is necessary. ”

Their recommendation is for people staying in the park, the homeless. The Community Advocacy Network said it was informed by the Services Department, and representatives of Harifax Mutual Aid and P.A.D.S.

Uncontained people should be included in the decision: Letter

The letter was signed by a total of 14 organizations: P.A.D.S Community Advocacy Network, Mutual Aid Halifax, Adsum for Women and Children, Coverdale Courtwork Society, North End Community Health Center, Welcome Housing and Support Services, Out of the Cold Community Association, Stepping Stone Association, Elizabeth Fry Society, United Way Halifax, YWCA Halifax, Avalon Sexual Assault Center, Brunswick Street Mission, P.O.S.S.E.

According to the letter, service providers need to provide free units and space to accommodate individuals evacuating to the park. Where an individual wants to go, when it meets the authority of the agency, when it is culturally safe and appropriate.

In June, city council members unanimously approve four designated green spaces where people can set up tents. Did. There are some vacancies on those sites.

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A letter from the organization states that detainees should be included in these decisions. Was there.

"A safe and affordable home, if you can't provide people with what you really want, get the consent of the affected individual and their community and consult with them to find a new location. The city should also work with them in a "cooperative way" to determine the accepted relocation site.

No matter where you decide, the letter states that you need to have running water, garbage collection, a bathroom, and a storage area for your belongings.

Read more: Secure food for non-inmates dismantled overnight as considered a safety risk by HRM Structure for

Municipal Miger Park is complaining about rodent problems, but there is no safe place for residents to store food. In February, the municipalities dispatched a crew to dismantle the wooden building used to store food in the park, considering it a "safety risk". The

letter states that where detainees stay, proper food storage, preparation, and proper food storage, preparation, and to "increase access to food and minimize the presence of rodents". He said the need to enable the construction of food waste treatment.

Similarly, the existing Tyvek shelter will be replaced with a safer one with the consent of the residents. A cold shelter for long-term planning that should be obtained and relocated to a new site.

Stay there "to give a certain level of autonomy and autonomy to the site and make it more secure and clean" You also need the resources to create a council or advisory body for people.

The organization also seeks more resources and services for young people and those in need of culturally relevant services, and the city works with service providers to relocate and close parks. At the same time, I asked them to do it permanently. ..

"People who are not detained must have a legitimate opinion about where the new camp will be based," said Out of the, one of the organizations that signed the letter. The Cold Community Association said in a tweet.

Discusses whether directly affected people can choose where to live in the&tent It's rude. ”

According to the latest figures from Nova Scotia's Affordable Housing Association, Halifax is home to 643 people. I was there. Areas that are currently homeless as of August 2.

There are about 200 shelters in the Halifax area,according to the June staff report, which is more than 400 short of what is needed.

In a statement, HRM spokesman Ryan Nearing said the municipality "knows yesterday's letters from various service providers helping people experiencing homelessness."

"City officials will review your request and respond within a few days. As always, Halifax Local police will address public security issues, "he said.

"There are no further comments on this issue at this time."

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