City Data Shows Edmonton Saw a 42% Increase in Encampment Closures in 2024
The City of Edmonton witnessed a 42 percent increase in the number of encampment closures in 2024, incurring a cleanup cost exceeding $5.7 million, as per city data.
The city observed a 120 percent increase over the two-year period since 2022, when there were 4,298 encampment closures.
The total number of complaints received by the city regarding encampments in 2023 was 17,044, compared to 17,948 in 2024—an increase of 5 percent. In 2022, the number of complaints about encampments was 9,328.
City data shows that more than 1.6 million kilograms of waste were removed from former encampments, compared to 1 million kilograms in 2023.
The cost of cleaning up the sites exceeded $5.7 million in 2024, with a one-time grant from the Government of Alberta covering $4.5 million. In 2023, the cost of encampment cleanups was $1,699,858.
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Cleanup crews discovered a 98 percent increase in propane tanks at former encampment sites in 2024 compared to the previous year. The City also reported a 32 percent increase in needles removed from these sites in 2024. Moreover, crews found a 160 percent increase in shopping carts at empty encampment sites in 2024 compared to 2023.
The city mentioned that it takes an average of 3.6 days to complete a cleanup once a site is vacant.
Latest statistics reveal that nearly 5,000 individuals in Edmonton are without permanent housing.
Edmonton Police Encampment Cleanup
The encampment was hidden among trees near a dog park close to Fulton Creek and 34th Street, as shown in the video by police.
Authorities mentioned that the encampment was set up with water pumps, a sink, and a washing machine.
According to police, solar panels were utilized to provide electricity to the encampment.
Several weapons were also uncovered at the site, including three guns, shotgun shells, knives, and machetes.
Five individuals were found inside the encampment, with one person admitting to residing there since winter 2023.
