Homeless encampment removed in Edmonton Tuesday

Edmonton police and City of Edmonton crews are clearing the third of eight homeless encampments scheduled for eviction. Advocates say the people who live there have nowhere else to go.

“It’s very sad and depressing, essentially seeing someone packing up their entire lives and trying to consolidate that into something so small. We all hate to move as people who are fully capable and have transportation. So I can’t imagine stuffing what little you have into a shopping cart,” explained Jordan Mogan, with Water Warriors.

Morgan volunteers helping Edmonton’s houseless community. He was east of downtown near Dawson Park Tuesday morning as police and clean-up crews dismantled an encampment, providing gloves and support to those who packing up their belongings.

Morgan says there needs to be more done from all levels of government to ensure shelters have adequate resources for addiction and mental illness.

“It’s a matter of finding a place for all of those people which would help alleviate those pressures on police and the government,” said Morgan.

A court injunction granted late last year prevents police from clearing encampments unless there is shelter space available and 48 hours notice.

The court-ordered conditions will remain in place until Jan. 11, and included the following:

• Before clearing the encampments, City and/or the Edmonton Police Service will make sure there is sufficient shelter space or other indoor space;
• If there is not enough space, officers will close only if there’s a danger to public health and safety;
• City will consider the cold weather in decision making;
• City will advise agencies at earliest convenience about closure;
• Order does not impact ongoing wellness checks by City staff or fire services;
• 48 hour notice will be given again to residents; and
• Notice to include reason, date.

According to the City, prior to Tuesday’s cleanup in Dawson Ravine, there were ten structures and seven occupants. There was only one call for medical assistance, no arrests, no tickets, and no warrants.

During the cleanup, officials removed 14 truckloads — roughly 2,800 kg — of waste, 100 needles, 12 shopping carts, and 13 propane tanks.

The City of Edmonton adds even with shelter space, some evicted from encampments choose not to go.