There’s a delay in the delivery of 24 modular units for the homeless in Halifax.
The city originally identified units to buy, but it was soon discovered they were in poor condition and couldn’t be fixed at a reasonable price.
Councillor Waye Mason says staff have found new suppliers to deliver better units but it might be a month before they are ready. Mason explains HRM staff found out about the condition of the modular homes sometime before November 1.
Modular update – sometime before Nov 1 HRM staff became aware that the modular units which HRM had hoped to purchase were not suitable for the intended purpose. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/R9dhsoh6uZ
— Waye Mason (@WayeMason) November 9, 2021
In a staff report approved at Tuesday’s meeting, council estimates it will be up to $3.2 million to purchase, install and maintain modular units at two sites in Halifax and Dartmouth.
The municipality is finalizing a location at Flotilla Lane, Alderney Drive, Church Street in Dartmouth for modular units to accommodate clients of the Out of the Cold shelter, currently housed at the Gray Arena.
In addition, staff are working to identify and secure a Halifax site to install modular units, with confirmation of the location and number of units able to be placed yet to be determined.
Estimated costs to purchase and maintain the modular units for the remainder of this year are as follows:
- Dartmouth site purchase, installation and maintenance is estimated at $1,410,000, with operating costs of $20,000 in 2021/22.
- Halifax site purchase, installation and maintenance is estimated at $1,690,000, with operating costs of $20,000 in 2021/22.
The homes will help up to 73 people living in tents and sheds. They have shared laundry and kitchens, a bed and private bathrooms.
