Halifax Regional Municipality is urgently suggesting more designated areas for tents around the city, in a report brought to council Tuesday, to help those experiencing homelessness.

The report stays there are about 30 sites being used right now, with only 5 of them actual designated spots.

Staff asked council to sign off on six locations including:

• Grand Parade with a proposed occupancy of 8 or fewer tents
• Victoria Park with a proposed occupancy of 12 or fewer tents
• The berms on Univesity Avenue with a proposed occupancy of 6 or fewer tents
• Martins Park with a proposed occupancy of 4 or fewer tents
• Beaufort Park with a proposed occupancy of 4 or fewer tents
• Saunders Park with a proposed occupancy of 8 or fewer tents

Designated locations require weekly garbage service and water delivery; for large encampments, the cost of doing so can exceed $30,000 a year.

The number of those sleeping rough in HRM continues to increase dramatically, with over 1,000 on the by-name list for stable housing, but staff says that does not reflect the actual number.

The province has committed to a new winter, emergency shelter, with the possibility of it becoming a year-round space for shelter.  Its location is still yet to be confirmed.