Halifax councillors unaware shelter removal plans were kept from advocacy groups
CBC
Halifax regional councillors were unaware the municipality's administration deliberately withheld information from groups that advocate for homeless people prior to the removal of sheds and tents in August.
Emails obtained by CBC News under access-to-information laws show municipal chief administrative officer Jacques Dubé did not release details of the operation for public security reasons.
Some tents were removed from Coun. Shawn Cleary's district at Horseshoe Island Park.
The councillor for Halifax West Armdale said he was aware an operation was being planned based on complaints that had been received, but he was not given any details.
"We don't direct operations of the city, especially police operations," said Cleary.
"We cannot, under provincial law, direct the police in any way, and so it would be inappropriate for council to be part of that discussion."
Housing advocates have described the municipality's decision to evict homeless people from public parks and green spaces as "unconscionable." They insist the chaos that broke out in downtown Halifax could have been prevented if they had been informed of the plans.
Dartmouth Centre Coun. Sam Austin said the housing advocates raise valid points.
"We spent so much time trying to avoid a confrontation that we missed doing the steps that might have helped minimize one in the first place," said Austin.
On the afternoon of the evictions, the situation grew violent when about 200 protesters and dozens of police congregated in front of the former library on Spring Garden Road, where one shelter was removed on a flatbed truck and another was dismantled with chainsaws.
Police with body armour and riot gear pepper sprayed some protesters, including at least one child who was in the fray, and used their bicycles to push back the crowds. Some protesters threw water bottles and milk jugs at police.
Coun. Patty Cuttell said she was "massively disappointed" with how the situation unfolded.
"I know we lost the trust of our community partners. I don't blame them," Cuttell told CBC News in an email.
"The actions of [the municipality and police] created a chaotic situation, forcing community service providers to respond with short notice and few resources. That was not fair, or — in my opinion — necessary."
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