Former Residents of Care Facility Begin New Lives in Community

Ten Nova Scotians with disabilities are now living in their community of choice as the Province marks another milestone in its ongoing work to transform disability support under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy.

Harbour Glen, a residential care facility in Dartmouth, officially closed Friday, January 30. The government is required to close all institutions for people with disabilities, like Harbour Glen, by the end of March 2028 as part of the remedy.

“Change can feel scary, but we are seeing first-hand how these transitions can also be deeply positive,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “Residents are gaining independence, dignity and joy from everyday things. We are building a system that offers greater choice, independence and inclusion, and we thank our service providers for their commitment to these fellow Nova Scotians who need their support.”

Intensive planning and support co-ordinators worked closely with the former Harbour Glen residents to make informed decisions about how and where they wanted to live based on their individual goals, needs and preferences. Families, service providers and community organizations were also involved in exploring housing and support options that best support independence and inclusion.

The former residents continue to receive funded supports, and the co-ordinators help ensure services remain responsive as needs or goals change.

Quotes:

“I’ve been working with one of our participants for the last six months to support her transition from Harbour Glen to community. This has been her goal for many years. We talked through and looked at several different options before landing on the right fit – and the right mix of community-based supports – to support a good life in Nova Scotia. When I talked to her last week, she spoke with pride about her beautiful new apartment and was especially excited about the in-suite washer and dryer.”
— Scott M. Hart, intensive planning and support co-ordinator, Halifax, Department of Opportunities and Social Development

“For one of our participants, we started working together back in May 2025 to plan her transition from Harbour Glen to community. Over a period of many months, we focused on her strengths, goals and readiness for independence – and last month, she officially moved into her own place. Shortly after moving, she shared that she made her own breakfast and took her morning medication independently – for the first time. These are small but meaningful achievements – ones that show just how capable she is.”
— Felicia Ugwu, intensive planning and support co-ordinator, Halifax, Department of Opportunities and Social Development

Quick Facts:

Harbour Glen, located on Pleasant Street, was operated by Colonial Homes/Precision Health Group; the former operator is now offering disability support in the community
under the remedy, all residential care facilities, adult residential centres and regional rehabilitation centres must close by March 31, 2028, with residents supported to move into community living
the Province ended all new admissions to adult residential centres, regional rehabilitation centres and residential facilities effective January 1, 2025