From June 14 to August 26, the Encampment Response experienced a 27 percent increase in reported encampments from the same period in 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

City of Lethbridge receives Encampment Strategy update

Sep 17, 2024 | 3:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge City Council received an update on the City’s Encampment Strategy on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

The update, which came from the Encampment Response Team, (ERT), recaps the June 14 to August 26 reporting period.

In that time, the ERT experienced a 27 percent increase in reported encampments from the same period in 2023. They responded to 336 calls, and 134 were identified to be an encampment in alignment with the Tier 1-3 parameters set by the Encampment Strategy.

15 coordinated encampment clean-ups were conducted, with a total of 160 structures and 10,650 kg of debris removed.

Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development said, “Along with the increase came new trends and challenges related to ever changing dynamics of encampments. Our team was flexible and consistent in order to maintain the high the level of service achieved in 2023.”

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Despite the increase in calls, the City says the revised Outreach approach approved by Council in July showed promising results. The approach was only operational in August, and aims to provide supports to individuals in encampments who face navigation challenges, such as substance use, mental health issues and other barriers to housing.

The Encampment Strategy was first approved by City Council in May 2023 and put into operation the next month.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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