Nova Scotia to Relocate Open Arms Emergency Shelter from Downtown Kentville Within a Year
Nova Scotia's Opportunities and Social Development Minister has confirmed that the Open Arms Resource Centre’s emergency shelter will be moved out of downtown Kentville within eight to 12 months, following community concerns about public safety and homelessness.
Nova Scotia Opportunities and Social Development Minister Susan Corkum-Greek sent a letter on Oct. 23 to Kentville Mayor Andrew Zebian confirming that the Open Arms Resource Centre’s emergency shelter will be relocated from downtown Kentville within eight to 12 months. 
The commitment follows months of community concern regarding homelessness and public safety in the town. In January, more than 250 people attended a meeting in Kentville to discuss homelessness issues. Community members reported feeling unsafe using trail systems through town, and strain was placed on the community, town staff, and local police due to ongoing concerns.
Statistics from the Kentville Police Service for July and August showed that approximately 35 per cent of calls involved the downtown core, mostly related to the Open Arms shelter or its clients.
Mayor Zebian met with deputy minister Craig Beaton the week prior to receiving the minister's letter. The relocation aims to better meet the needs of both shelter clients and local residents.
A formal relocation plan from the department is expected within 30 to 60 days. While the long-term move is being planned, the department is working with Open Arms to implement interim measures. 