September 21, 2020
On September 16, the City issued notice to the organizers of an encampment at Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park asking the campers to remove all temporary structures by 10 a.m. and vacate the park by 11 p.m. on September 18. On September 18, while Edmonton Police Service and Peace Officers were onsite, the City engaged the organizers in further discussions to facilitate a peaceful closure of the camp.
After coordinating visits to the camp by Homeward Trust and Boyle Street last week, today the City has issued a letter inviting local social service providers to visit the camp or contact the organizers if they have capacity. In return, the camp organizers have announced today that they will voluntarily remove the camp on Monday, September 28. While the City does not endorse the presence of the camp in this park, it will delay enforcement actions temporarily. If safety issues arise at any time, the City will respond with action.
“We look forward to a peaceful and voluntary closure of the camp by the organizers,” said Rob Smyth, Deputy City Manager of Citizen Services. “The City empathizes with those living outside. Our ultimate solution is for every Edmontonian to have a home. In the meantime, 24/7 shelters have spaces available to support people while they take steps forward on their path to housing.”
