MOTION – COMMUNITY SAFETY

MOTION – COMMUNITY SAFETY WHEREAS the Town of New Glasgow recognizes the complex and interconnected challenges associated with homelessness, mental health, substance use and addiction, and the significant impact these issues have on individuals, families, neighbourhoods, and the broader community from a safety perspective; AND WHEREAS the Town of New Glasgow recognizes that individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction require access to appropriate, person-centred health, treatment, rehabilitation, housing, and support services; AND WHEREAS the current homeless shelter model and its existing downtown location on Marsh Street are not adequately addressing the underlying health and rehabilitation needs of many individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and addiction; AND WHEREAS the Town Council believes that a coordinated, health-focused approach is required to provide individuals with an opportunity to stabilize, receive treatment, pursue rehabilitation, and transition toward sustainable housing and healthier lifestyles; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Town of New Glasgow request that the current homeless shelter at its existing location on Marsh Street cease operations immediately and that the Province of Nova Scotia support a transition plan to be developed to support affected individuals and ensure continuity of essential services; AND FURTHER THAT the Town of New Glasgow advocate to the Province of Nova Scotia, community organizations, and other relevant partners for the development of a health-focused, person-centred residential rehabilitation centre designed to support unhoused individuals experiencing addiction and related challenges; AND FURTHER THA T consideration be given to a model that integrates residential rehabilitation, addiction treatment, mental health supports, counselling, case management, life-skills development, and pathways to transitional and supportive housing; AND FURTHER THA T the proposed approach be developed collaboratively with people with lived experience, provincial departments, health and social service providers, Pictou Landing First Nation, community organizations, law enforcement and municipal partners, with the objective of creating a sustainable and compassionate continuum of care through a health-focused residential rehabilitation model in Northern Nova Scotia.