Another high-risk encampment was closed on Tuesday in the vicinity of Dawson Ravine as part of eight high-risk encampments in Edmonton impacted by recent legal proceedings.
According to the City, an encampment may be assessed as high risk where there is a serious risk of injury or death due to fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, drug use, gang violence, physical violence including weapons, public health and/or sanitation risks, environmental degradation and/or criminal activity.
“It is also assessed based on its proximity to local amenities including schools and playgrounds, the number of people and structures in the encampment, if the location has previously been an encampment site and how long it has been in place”
Four more “high-risk encampments” are scheduled to be shut down on Wednesday. The province say’s they have “more than 1,400 shelter spaces and about 300 more are coming in the near future”
With the continued dry conditions in Edmonton, the risks of injury and death due to fire remain extremely high. In 2023, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to 135 fires in encampments resulting in 22 injuries and three fatalities.
EPS have attended removals of 2,329 encampment structures in 2023.
The court ordered conditions to clean these eight encampments will remain in effect until January 11, 2024 and include:
- 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.
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