A member of the Encampment Response Team checks out a tent structure in Lethbridge. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge encampment numbers soar in late 2024

Jan 23, 2025 | 11:19 AM

The City of Lethbridge says there was “high number” of reports related to encampments over the final two months of last year.

The Encampment Response Team’s (ERT) latest report to city council covers the approximately seven weeks from November 2-December 23, 2024.

Members say, that in November 2024, they recorded the highest number of confirmed encampments in a single month since the city’s Encampment Strategy was implemented in early 2023.

A total of 124 encampments were identified during the reporting period, compared to just 42 in the same time in 2023. That is an increase of 195 per cent.

The biggest rise was seen in Tier 2 encampments, which are active sites consisting of one or two structures with no immediate health or safety risks to the occupants or community. The number of Tier 2 encampments rose from 24 in late 2023 to 112 this past year.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 20-26, 2025

Jan 20, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 6-12, 2025

Jan 07, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 30 - January 5, 2025

Dec 30, 2024

However, the report notes that it is not all bad news.

“Despite the increase in confirmed encampments, more individuals residing in encampments were willing to engage with the Outreach Team,” reads the report from the ERT.

It continues, “The Outreach Team saw a 50% increase of intakes during cleanups during this reporting period, compared to 35% in the previous reporting period. Outreach referrals have also risen by 60%, up from 41% in the prior period.”

There appears to be a concentration of encampments around the Lethbridge Shelter & Stabilization Shelter as more than three-quarters (78.2 per cent) were located there, compared to just 7.1 per cent the year before. In 2023, there was a greater spread of tent structures throughout the city.

The ERT says it is concerned with the number of encampments that use propane tanks for heat and consist of heavy materials like wood pallets and metal frames as they can pose safety risks.

Officers say they plan to maintain current service levels in 2025 while exploring solutions that could enhance service delivery.

Some examples of how they plan to achieve this include collaborating with community partners, leveraging available resources and developing strategies to address emerging challenges.

The link to the full encampment report can be found on the January 21, 2025, Lethbridge City Council agenda.

Confirmed encampments in Lethbridge, 2023 and 2024. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

Complaints to Lethbridge 311 relating to encampments, 2023 and 2024. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge approves changes to encampment strategy