Remembrance Day in Halifax Moves Locations to Honor Homeless and Ensure Safety
In an effort to honor the homeless community and prioritize safety, Remembrance Day in Halifax, Nova Scotia will be relocated from Grand Parade to Sullivan’s Pond this year. The decision was made by the Nova Scotia Legion in consultation with the city, police services, and veteran community discussions.
The move was prompted by concerns surrounding the rights and dignity of the homeless individuals living in tents in front of city hall. By transitioning the event to Sullivan’s Pond, organizers aim to prevent any encroachment on the homeless community while ensuring the safety of both the participants and the individuals experiencing homelessness.
However, not all residents of the tent encampment at Grand Parade were consulted about the decision, and some express their disappointment in not having a say. Richard Young, a tent resident, emphasizes that the homeless community deeply values veterans and would have willingly cooperated by temporarily moving their belongings to accommodate the Remembrance Day event.
Young further notes that the tent community has already been shrinking, with people finding alternative accommodations for the approaching winter. He explains that the decision to relocate the event can create the false perception that the homeless community does not care, which he asserts is far from the truth.
Executive director Craig Hood mentions that the Grand Parade Committee was established in August, and uncertainties regarding the state of the event space played a role in the decision. After engaging with veterans from the community, including those experiencing homelessness, Sullivan’s Pond was determined as the best and safest alternative.
While Mayor Mike Savage expresses some disappointment in not being able to hold the event at Grand Parade, he emphasizes that honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice is of utmost importance. Mayor Savage hopes that people who wish to lay wreaths can still do so at Grand Parade.
Additionally, the municipality intends to discuss with the tent community the possibility of moving to a civic facility during Remembrance Day events. It is revealed that the province has signed a lease on a building that could potentially serve as a winter shelter for some individuals experiencing homelessness.
Though the process of securing the shelter is still ongoing, Nova Scotia Community Services Minister Trevor Boudreau assures that the service provider is prepared to accommodate approximately 50 people once the space becomes available.
Overall, the decision to relocate Remembrance Day in Halifax stems from a desire to respect and consider the rights, dignity, and safety of both the homeless community and event participants. The Nova Scotia Legion, in collaboration with city officials, aims to uphold the commemorative nature of the event while prioritizing the needs of all involved parties.
