Nova Scotia Plans to Relocate Open Arms Resource Centre Shelter from Downtown Kentville
The Nova Scotia government is developing a plan to move the Open Arms Resource Centre homeless shelter out of downtown Kentville within 8 to 12 months, aiming to address public safety concerns and modernize services.
The Nova Scotia provincial government has confirmed it is fully committed to relocating the Open Arms Resource Centre homeless shelter from its current site in downtown Kentville. Community Services Minister Susan Corkum-Greek outlined the commitment in a letter to Kentville Mayor Andrew Zebian, stating that a new facility in a different location would better meet the needs of both shelter clients and local residents.
A formal relocation plan is expected from the department within 30 to 60 days. Once finalized, the overall relocation of shelter services is projected to take place over an 8 to 12 month period. Staff from several provincial departments are currently evaluating potential sites with suitable infrastructure for the new shelter.
Mayor Zebian cited public safety concerns and increased littering as persistent issues tied to the shelter's current downtown location. The decision to relocate was welcomed by both the town and the shelter's operator.
Nick Haddock, interim executive director of Open Arms, described the relocation as an opportunity to modernize service delivery. The new facility is intended to provide better green space and improved services for shelter clients while addressing the concerns raised by the surrounding community.