Halifax-area man ordered to leave RV can stay — for now
The Halifax municipality recently reversed its decision to evict Matthieu Tetreault, who had been living with his dog in a recreational vehicle (RV) on his mother’s property, following community pushback and potential policy changes around RV residential use.
Tetreault's modest setup on Wellington Road, located just north of Fall River, faced scrutiny after someone lodged complaints with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The complaint led to Tetreault receiving communication from HRM stating he needed to vacate by February 2 due to local land-use bylaw violations. His predicament drew attention, evoking considerable public support.
On Tuesday, Tetreault received good news when HRM staff notified him via email. The order for him to leave had been suspended, allowing him to remain on the property for at least the next few months. “It’s almost overwhelming. I mean, I’m definitely grateful for the support. It’s definitely helping a lot,” Tetreault expressed, reflecting on the community’s backing he has received through various communications and social media.
HRM spokesperson Brynn Budden clarified the decision's rationale, stating the suspension was ordered pending the release of staff recommendations on RV residential use, which is expected later this year. Budden added, “Safety concerns with the RV had been resolved,” hinting at the municipality's shift to prioritize the safety of RV inhabitants and their surrounding communities.
The anticipated report on changes to the RV bylaw is set to go before the regional council come October. Tetreault's mother, Michelle McClung, is advocating for broader regulations—one applicable across Nova Scotia—to ease restrictions on living full-time in RVs. Directly commenting on current municipal inconsistencies, she stated, “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re living in, you know. There’s too many people who can benefit from it.”
The environment for RV dwellers varies significantly across the province: some municipalities, especially rural areas, have looser regulations allowing RVs primarily for camping, whereas others, like the Region of Queens, permit permanent RV living under specific criteria.
Budden explained the approach taken by HRM when confronting similar complaints: city officials first assess the safety of both the RV occupants and the community before determining whether any bylaw violations exist, which they evaluate on a case-by-case basis, especially with the anticipated policy changes on the horizon.
The decision focusing on Tetreault reflects the municipality's responsiveness to public sentiment, as well as the complex dynamics of recreational vehicle living—an issue igniting debate among residents. The potential policy shift may offer more structured regulations, giving those like Tetreault greater security and the right to continue living in RVs beyond just the gaming season.
While Tetreault remains hopeful about his future, he has indicated his willingness to speak out again if necessary, saying, “If [the order] doesn’t change, yeah, my foot’s gonna be out there and I’ll be speaking up even more again if I have to. Like it’s unfortunate, and I don’t want to be here, but I am.” His story captures not only personal resilience but also the rising demand for alternative and affordable living solutions amid the increasing cost of housing.
With the discussion surrounding RV living continuing to evolve, many residents are watching the outcomes closely. Community support for Tetreault and others like him indicates significant pressure on local officials to review and possibly reform existing regulations—creating either opportunities or obstacles for future RV dwellers across Halifax and beyond.
The coming months hold potential for reshaping the narrative surrounding RV living within the Halifax Regional Municipality. Among residents and advocates alike, there’s cautious optimism as the community awaits the impending policy review.