Four coordinated cleanups were conducted in the past month as part of the City of Lethbridge encampment strategy, with an average of less than 400 kg of waste collected per cleanup. (Photo: LNN)

By Joel Mendelson

Encampment strategy in Lethbridge showing signs of success

Sep 19, 2023 | 4:59 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge City Council was informed of the progress of the municipality’s encampment strategy on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Over the summer, the strategy helped guide the response to encampments, including outreach services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Four coordinated cleanups were conducted in the past month, with an average of less than 400 kilograms of waste collected per cleanup. Comparatively, the year-to-date is 1600 kilograms per cleanup, indicating less severe and entrenched encampments.

General Manager of Community Social Development for the City of Lethbridge, Andrew Malcom said, “We are continuing to see the downward trend in reporting of encampments, number of total structures, and most importantly, towards less entrenched encampments.”

Malcolm continued, “We’ve also seen a steady drop in the amount of debris collected when we do have encampment cleanups.”

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Since June 19, 2023, the City of Lethbridge has reportedly received 247 calls regarding encampments. Through the triaging system, 116 of them were identified as encampments in need of support. The remaining calls were for related topics such as debris or unsightly premises, and have been addressed by various other City of Lethbridge departments. Overall, there have been 18 coordinated encampment clean-ups, totaling 569 structures and 28,608 kilograms of debris removed.

The City of Lethbridge has also increased support for the Clean Sweep Program by reallocating funds from the Government of Alberta, which were previously dedicated for needle debris cleanups.

Malcolm said, “Our encampment strategy relies on the dispatching of appropriate resources to each report based on a triaging process.”

He continued, “This ensures Lethbridge Police Service resources are used appropriately, connection to social services is provided by outreach workers, and the Clean Sweep Program is there to help keep our community clean for everyone.”

The Encampment Response Team will remain fully staffed through the winter, and will be available to respond to reports of encampments. However, in the colder weather, fire prevention becomes more of a safety risk as it relates to encampments.

They will also conduct a review of the first season of operation under the encampment strategy, and will present key learnings and recommendations to City Council prior to spring 2024.

The Fire Prevention Officer for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, Neil Jesse said, “We see more individuals looking for heating sources, sometimes in abandoned buildings, and this becomes very dangerous for both the individuals and the public.”

In order to prevent trespassing, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding all property owners of the importance of safely securing vacant buildings, including residential homes, garages and commercial properties.

In April 2023, Lethbridge City Council approved funding up to $500,000 per year for 2023-2026, and $250,000 one-time funding to support the encampment strategy.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge provides August Encampment Strategy update

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