New Glasgow town council has decided to remove the tax exemption status of a local shelter that has been facing controversy, although the chair of the facility’s board believes the organization is being unfairly criticized.
Viola’s Place initially opened in 2018 and has since expanded its capacity, leading to increased disturbances in the neighborhood surrounding the shelter. Councilor Joe MacDonald, who proposed the motion to revoke the shelter’s tax exemption status typically granted to charities, expressed disappointment in the lack of progress addressing safety concerns in the area.
Council has requested the shelter to take specific actions such as constructing a fence around the site, engaging with residents, and hiring security guards to monitor the area. However, MacDonald noted that they have not seen a satisfactory response yet. The tax exemption provides the shelter with approximately $1,000 in savings, and management can reapply for the status in the future.
Dwayne Wright, the chair of Viola’s Place Society board, which oversees the shelter, described the council’s decision as disappointing and somewhat perplexing. He stated that losing the tax exemption will not significantly impact the shelter, but the unanimous council vote to revoke it indicates a lack of support from the town.
Wright highlighted that the shelter has complied with several council requests, including adjusting curfews and reducing daytime programs. While the society received a $25,000 quote to build a fence, Wright emphasized that raising such funds takes time for a charity. In the interim, they are installing a gate to limit access to the property.
The chair of the board expressed that the vote appears more symbolic than practical and disagreed with the notion that the shelter exacerbates homelessness in New Glasgow. He clarified that all individuals using the facility are from Pictou County, dispelling misinformation circulating on social media.
Wright stressed the need for increased housing, treatment, and mental health services to effectively address homelessness. While some community members suggest relocating the shelter, he argued that merely shifting the problem elsewhere is not a solution. MacDonald mentioned a proposal to establish a working group comprising local stakeholders, including Viola’s Place staff, to determine the best services for the area.
Wright expressed openness to relocation if a suitable site that does not hinder service provision is identified. MacDonald also called for new standards governing shelter operations at a provincial level.
