A new winter shelter opening in HRM, will now operate for a lot longer.

The province says the shelter coming to Windmill Rd in Dartmouth will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until May 2026.

It will start with 50 beds for people of all genders 16 years and older but will add beds if needed based on community need and extreme weather events.

There will be privacy cubicles, showers, storage and is pet friendly.

“Nova Scotians experiencing homelessness deserve to be safe and to be treated with dignity,” said Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Community Services. “This shelter will give people a warm, safe and consistent place to stay.”

The Province is investing $2.99 million annually to cover building rental, operating and staff costs, and wraparound services through 902 Man Up.

The HRM outreach team will work to ensure people staying in encampments are aware of the shelter and how to access it. The HRM will also provide in-kind property maintenance support for the shelter site, including regular garbage pickup and snow clearing.

The shelter opens Friday, November, 17.