This Halifax veteran is being forced out of his RV in the middle of winter because he’s breaking a local bylaw — how the housing crisis keeps pushing Canadians to the brink

“He doesn’t need to be homeless…”

Tetreault is a veteran who served in the Navy for nine years before leaving with a back injury. He works full-time but would not be able to afford a place to live that would allow pets.

The RV was the ideal housing arrangement for him, and with the addition he built on he had enough space for him and his dog, Harper.

He often relaxes by the wood stove, which was approved according to the Halifax Fire Code.

Tetrault told CBC News, “This is in immaculate shape and I try to take care of it because it’s all I have.”

He is questioning why he has to vacate the property when many people are living in campgrounds supported by the provincial government.

Many neighbours are supportive and dropped off firewood but there was one complaint about the RV being on the side of the road.

Michelle McClung, Tetrault’s mother, said if they had approached her with the complaint they could have put up screens or moved the RV.

“He doesn’t need to be homeless because someone doesn’t like the look of the RV,” McCLung told CBC News.

His mother can’t have him in her home because she already has two other sons living with her and they don’t have enough space. She says, “It’s hard when they all have to come home because of the economy.”

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Housing needs are changing

Nova Scotia’s Provincial Housing Needs Assessment report confirmed that housing needs are changing in the province because of growing demand and a housing supply shortage.

Nova Scotia’s average home sale price have jumped up 63% from 2019 to 2022, and rents have increased 19% during the same period.

The government’s solution? Our Homes, Action for Housing, a five-year plan meant to help Nova Scotians get access to housing.

The plan includes increasing skilled workers, growing the community housing options and using provincial land to create homes.

According to the Provincial Housing Assessment, there’s a shortage of roughly 41,000 units predicted by 2027.

This leaves a lot of people, like Tretreault, looking for alternative housing.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing agency helps lower-income folks, including seniors, families and individuals, find a place to live.

Some choose to live in RVs, like Tetreault. Others are finding communities, like the Sackville Tiny Home Community, which is managed and maintained by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia.

As for Tetreault, a city spokesperson said staff are reviewing the situation but couldn’t offer any more details.

If he has to leave, Tetreault and Harper will be left with no choice but to go live on his mother’s couch and he says, “It’s the winter right now, it would be nice if they could just not kick me out.”