Published 11 days ago • loading... • Updated 9 days ago
Nova Scotia Government Is Cutting Off Funding to a Homeless Shelter in New Glasgow
The province says a transition team will help Northstar clients while it seeks providers for supportive housing in three counties.
On Wednesday, Nova Scotia's Social Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek announced the province will cut funding for Northstar Shelter in New Glasgow within 90 days while launching a new supportive-housing model targeting Pictou, Lunenburg and Kings counties.
Persistent complaints about open drug use near Northstar since its 2018 opening prompted action, with New Glasgow town council calling last month for the shelter's closure in favour of a different model.
Executive director Lisa Deyoung warned the closure eliminates services for hundreds beyond the 20 shelter beds and ends over $200,000 in housing support, while Northstar raised concerns about Naloxone access during winter months.
Northstar board chair Dwayne Wright expressed skepticism about transition plans, stating alternative arrangements remain unclear; the 90-day timeline creates a three-month service gap, though Mayor Nancy Dicks welcomed the announcement Wednesday.
Social Development Minister Corkum-Greek characterized the change as service enhancement rather than loss, saying officials hope new providers will launch by fiscal year-end, though she declined specifics on the transition timeline.