Edmonton is now in the summer months when homeless encampments tend to pop up in town.
Wanting to help those in need, Ward O-day’min Earl. Anne Stevenson asked the administration two weeks ago to see how much it would cost the city to sanction its own encampments this summer.
“The administration came back with the report that delved into what it would be like to operate some small-scale sanctioned camps and most notable is the significant price tag,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson said the cost of setting up and operating small, city-run camps for 60 people for three months is $2.1 million, which includes costs to pay for a variety of social supports and 24/7 security. .
A welcome listing, but Stevenson said it’s priced much higher than she anticipated.
“For that level of investment, we’re better off investing in other solutions that have longer-term impact,” Stevenson said.
She says the report also outlined other options, such as small towns of houses, trailers and apartments.
Read more:
City looks at different options to address rising homelessness in Edmonton
Great alternatives, but ones that Stevenson said wouldn’t be available until possibly next spring.
“I’m disappointed that there isn’t more we can do this summer,” Stevenson said. “What is happening now is not good for anyone.”
Jim Gurnett of the Edmonton Housing and Homeless Coalition said sanctioned encampments are an option that should not be turned down.
“If (people) are going to be camping and living in these kind of informal conditions anyway, a sanctioned and supervised place that is healthier and safer is absolutely a good direction to go,” Gurnett said. “And I think it can be done successfully.”
Gurnett said that if money is the issue, it’s important to determine what the costs are of not choosing this option.
“Two million dollars, lives saved and better, healthier communities could be a good investment,” Gurnett said.
Stevenson said he would like to explore lower cost options when the council discusses the motion on Monday.
But with budget constraints, he doubts this plan will pass at the current price.
“It’s a feeling of failing Edmontonians, failing people in our community who need housing, which is a very basic thing that we’re all entitled to,” Stevenson said.
If sanctioned encampments don’t work out, Stevenson said he’d like to focus more on getting people living in tents into permanent supportive housing.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.