File photo.
Red Deer City Council is set to review interim and long-term solutions to homelessness during the Sept. 16 meeting.
The proposed new actions include maintaining a balanced mitigation strategy and exploring housing solutions.
The potential changes come in response to Councillor Lawrence Lee’s motion to review the city’s Urban Encampment Responses.
The report focuses on reviewing the past five years of data, analyzing service levels, and evaluating the city’s response.
The recommendations include:
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Consistent Mitigation: Maintain the city’s current approach to encampment responses, ensuring the most balanced mitigation strategy available, to protect public lands while supporting vulnerable individuals.
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Advocacy for Shelter Strategy: Council will continue to advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive shelter strategy, including the development of a low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter with a Recovery-Oriented System of Care.
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Review of Transitional Housing: Request that the Housing and Homelessness Integrated Committee (HHIC) review the potential for new transitional housing infrastructure as an interim solution to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“The City of Red Deer is committed to supporting the health and safety of those sleeping rough, citizens who are enjoying parks, trails, and public spaces, and staff responding to encampments,” said Tara Lodewyk, City Manager. “Unfortunately, urban encampment work is a very short-term solution to a very complex health, housing, and public safety need in our community. The ability to reduce homelessness in Red Deer is significantly impacted by the lack of affordable and supportive housing supply. Until this is resolved, we will continue in this cycle of cleanup.”
The city has a current level of service where urban encampments, debris, and belongings are removed within two weeks of an initial report.
Last year, 881 encampments were dismantled, and the city projects an increase of 75 per cent by the end of 2024, the city’s website said.
The cost related to encampment clean-up has reached $2.87 million over the last five years, which is shared among the Parks Department, Public Works, and Emergency Services.
“The city’s current policy is still achieving its target of having sites cleaned within 14 days. Despite a substantial increase in encampments, responses have continued to be increasingly efficient, largely due to enhanced relationships and experience levels,” said Jodi Kelloway, Acting Superintendent of Social Wellness and Integration Supports. “In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with shelters operating at or near capacity. Many individuals living in encampments have limited or no alternative options available. It is important that we continue to improve our response while building capacity within the housing continuum that considers current realities and the unique needs of community members who are unsheltered. The actions we propose in today’s report are about building and expanding on what we already do.”
The City’s Encampment Assertive Outreach team is working to provide referrals to individuals for social and housing services. However, many individuals face barriers, such as the need for privacy, the ability to be with others, and accommodation for possessions.