Edmonton removed 9,000 homeless encampments in 2024, three year high

The removal of homeless encampments across Edmonton reached an all-time highs in 2024.

Edmonton police have shown throughout the year some encampments were beyond what was normal, like one dug into the River Valley below the High Level Bridge. Police said several people were living there with weapons.

RELATED: Edmonton police find, remove ‘rather large’ encampment excavated under High Level Bridge

There was also one in southeast Edmonton that had running water, solar panels, battery banks, and a welding area.

Five people were arrested at the encampment.

As of November 31st, the City of Edmonton reports almost 9,500 encampments were shut down, a 42 per cent increase from last year.

When the City cleans up these areas, waste like needles, and propane tanks are removed. The City says over 1.6 million kilograms or 3.5 million pounds of waste was removed. That’s about the same weight as a stadium grandstand or a small bridge.

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The City says more items were removed this year, almost double what was taken away in 2023.

Edmonton’s police chief says the province stepping in helped coordinate support, including the navigation centre where vulnerable people can get income, housing, and addiction supports.

“I feel comfortable that we are going to be in a better spot in the not-too-distant future, but I also think the navigation centre, was the start of these whole inter-agency agencies working to get the question right before we start to solve the problem,” said Dale McFee, Edmonton Police Chief.

Homeward Trust’s latest numbers say close to 5,000 people are experiencing homelessness but there are not enough resources – with only an estimated 2,000 shelter spaces available.