In a move sparking both controversy and concern, the city of Edmonton commenced the dismantling of a homeless encampment near 105th Avenue and 95th Street on Friday. This action is part of a broader initiative aimed at clearing eight “high-risk” camps, with the operation set to extend into the New Year.
Cleanup crews, accompanied by a sizable police presence, tow trucks, and paramedics, descended on the site at 8:30 a.m. As part of the eviction process, a camper van, along with an array of personal belongings, bags, furniture, and debris, was removed from the area adjacent to Quasar Bottle Depot at 9510 105 Ave.
Residents, some of whom had already left early in the morning, were observed packing their valuables onto carts pulled by bicycles. Despite the availability of shelter spaces, some individuals prefer the autonomy and privacy of encampments, citing concerns over safety and lack of privacy in shelters.
Advocacy groups, such as Public Interest Alberta and the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, have voiced opposition to the eviction, arguing that it puts lives at risk and strains the city’s emergency health system.
The encampment near 105th Avenue and 95th Street is one of eight at the center of an ongoing court battle over the procedures for dismantling camps inhabited by people without homes. The police have identified these encampments as high risk, citing potential dangers such as fire, drug use, gang violence, and sanitation risks.
The city had initially planned to dismantle camps at the eight sites on December 18, but a court challenge by the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights led to an agreement to slow down the removal process. The conditions now include providing 48-hour notice, confirming sufficient indoor shelter space, assessing exposure to inclement weather, and ensuring access for paramedics and firefighters.
City spokesperson Karen Zypchyn clarified that the decision to label an encampment as high risk considers factors such as fire hazards, drug use, violence, public health risks, environmental degradation, and criminal activity.
Despite the ongoing controversy and legal challenges, the city remains committed to adhering to the terms of the court injunction. The encampment removal will continue, with the parties scheduled to return to court on January 11 for a hearing on the Coalition’s application to stop citywide encampment removals.
As the city grapples with the complex issue of homelessness, discussions about the balance between public safety, human rights, and the provision of adequate housing continue to intensify.