New Glasgow town council has called for the closure of the municipality’s sole shelter, citing concerns about its effectiveness in meeting the needs of its users. Mayor Nancy Dicks expressed the urgency for change and a different approach during a recent interview.
Councilor Jim McKenna presented a motion regarding the provincially funded Northstar Shelter and Support Services at a council meeting, receiving unanimous approval. The motion urges the immediate cessation of shelter operations and requests the Province of Nova Scotia to assist in developing a transition plan to support affected individuals and ensure essential services continue.
The decision follows nearly four years of complaints about the shelter, which was established in 2018, according to Dicks. The motion highlights that the shelter is failing to adequately address the health and rehabilitation requirements of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and addiction.
In response to the council’s motion, Northstar released a written statement instead of participating in an interview. The statement stressed that a single charity cannot resolve systemic issues and should not be solely responsible for doing so. It emphasized that the responsibility for addressing homelessness, healthcare, housing, treatment, poverty, and addiction lies with government entities, health-care providers, and community organizations.
Northstar raised concerns about the implications of the municipality’s motion, questioning the fate of individuals currently dependent on their services during the transition period. The organization emphasized that the shelter should not be closed until alternative services are available, contradicting the motion’s call for immediate closure.
Mayor Dicks clarified that the council’s intention is not to shut down the shelter abruptly but to prompt the province to establish a transition plan promptly. She highlighted the province’s role in providing supportive housing, transitional housing, and rehabilitation opportunities as part of the solution.
While the municipality has forwarded the motion to the province, there has been no response as of Tuesday afternoon, Dicks confirmed. The minister responsible for opportunities and social development, Susan Corkum-Greek, did not provide a comment upon request.
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