Pictou Centre MLA Danny MacGillivray offered an update with the situation surrounding Viola’s Place in New Glasgow.
Earlier this year, Town of New Glasgow released the “What We Heard” Report summarizing the input from residents, businesses, and service providers during the town’s Community Safety Forum from October 1, at Glasgow Square.
The town scheduled the meeting back in September, after posting about escalating concerns around encampments, open drug use, safety in public spaces, and the operations of Viola’s Place. Over 250 people attended the community forum, which included discussion on issues related to homelessness, addiction, mental health, community safety, and well-being. The meeting included a panel with New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks, New Glasgow Regional Police Chief Ryan Leil, Pictou Centre MLA Danny MacGillivray, Viola’s Place Executive Director Lisa Deyoung, and Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions representatives Monika Thompson and Janah Fair.
Pictou Centre MLA Danny MacGillivray
(Communications NS photo)
MacGillivray said the situation is a top priority for both himself and the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, formerly the department of community services.
He said they are also working to add some supportive housing for the area. MacGillivray said he’s been in regular contact with the Town of New Glasgow.