Temporary Emergency Shelter to Close Following Coordinated Community Response
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Miramichi, NB – August 6, 2026 – The City of Miramichi advises that the temporary emergency shelter established to support residents displaced following the no occupancy order issued for 15 Cole Crescent will close on Friday, August 7, 2026.
The temporary shelter was established to ensure residents had immediate access to safe accommodations while longer-term housing solutions were identified.
The City extends its sincere appreciation to the many organizations, agencies, staff and volunteers who came together to support this response. The collaboration demonstrated throughout this challenging situation reflects the strength of our community and a shared commitment to helping residents in need.
The City would like to specifically recognize the Canadian Red Cross, Miramichi Housing Solutions, Social Development, Housing New Brunswick, local community organizations, emergency responders, City staff and the many partners who worked tirelessly to support displaced residents. Through their collective efforts, many residents have successfully transitioned from the temporary shelter into longer-term accommodations.
“The response to this situation demonstrated the very best of our community,” said Greg Sargent, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Miramichi. “Organizations and individuals came together with a shared purpose of ensuring residents were safe and supported during an incredibly difficult time. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this response and to the significant efforts made to help displaced residents secure new housing.”
While significant progress has been made, not every displaced resident has yet secured permanent housing. Those individuals will continue to receive support from Miramichi Housing Solutions and other community partners as efforts continue to identify appropriate accommodations.
Although this emergency response is coming to an end, it has reinforced a much larger issue facing the community. Miramichi Housing Solutions, the community’s emergency shelter, is experiencing high occupancy, while the demand for emergency and affordable housing continues to exceed the available options.
“While we are encouraged that many residents have found new accommodations, this experience has highlighted the very real pressures facing our housing system,” Sargent said. “The shortage of safe and affordable housing remains a significant challenge and addressing it will require continued collaboration and investment from all levels of government and community partners.”
The City of Miramichi thanks everyone who contributed to this coordinated response and extends its appreciation to residents for their patience, compassion and support throughout this challenging situation.