Edmontonians protest new shelter in industrial area: ‘They’re leaving them stranded’

Edmontonians are questioning the new location of Hope Mission’s new homeless shelter, saying it’s not safe for residents and the homeless population.

A group of community members protested Sunday against it as it’s set to open this fall in an Edmonton industrial area, near Yellowhead trail and 149 Street.

“Unhoused people deserve to be treated with dignity,” said Penelope Moon Walker, one demonstrator who lives nearby. “And not put in a warehouse.”

“They’re leaving them stranded in a place where they’re not gonna have anything,” said Demaris Moon Walker, also protesting. “There’s no food, no nothing.”

“In the middle of winter where they gonna go?” questioned another demonstrator. “Downtown they can hop into a coffee shop or some 24-hour business.”

“Here there’s nothing.”

The new 120 bed emergency shelter was an electrical wholesale business at the busy intersection of 124 Avenue and 149 Street.

Protestors say they’re concerned about traffic and safety in the area.

“This is unsafe,” said Tom, who also lives nearby. “Watch when all these cars pack up at a red light probably 100 cars come here all at once and they’re gonna walk in between them.”

“During the day the amount of traffic, the amount of trucks that come in here,” added a fellow resident. “It’s unbelievable.”

Previously, shelters were not allowed in industrial areas, but that changed when Edmonton’s zoning changes came in effect.

Residents of the nearby neighborhood of Dovercourt, a few blocks away tell CityNews they’re frustrated with the lack of communication from the city and Hope Mission.

“They’r not giving us answers on how to keep out community safe,” said one. “How the unhoused are gonna be kept safe?”

“We have youth in the area, we have a school, elementary, daycares,” added Demaris. “Kids are gonna be around and unfortunately with the dropping temperatures we’re gonna find corpses.”

Local community members are demanding answers on how to keep the community safe, and they hope that bringing the right people to the table could help address homelessness in the city 

“Bring those agencies that work downtown that are working with the people,” said Penelope. “Bring the together to the table, bring the reserves that are around the surrounding area and have the vulnerable people heard.”

CityNews reached out to Hope Mission for comment but didn’t hear back in time for broadcast.