“Take a Step or Shut Up”: Wetaskiwin Mayor Frustrated at Lack of Help with the Homeless | The Canadian News

A city in central Alberta has taken another step to secure hot shelters for vulnerable people living in tents in an open field, but its mayor says they need help.

Up to 60 people have been sleeping in a camp for the homeless in Wetaskiwin, southeast of Edmonton, since August after the city closed its only overnight shelter.

The site has been described as “worse than a refugee camp”. Healthcare providers have identified numerous risks, including inadequate sources of heat, shelter, food, and safety.

At a special city council meeting on Friday, an additional $ 35,000 was approved on top of $ 150,000 in federal grants to pay for emergency heating trailers through the end of March 2022.

Paul Edginton, general manager of community and protective services, said the city is also working with a proposed shelter operator, which is in talks with the Alberta government.

“Right now, they are ready to come to town,” he said. “Are increasing. They are doing their best to be ready to come on November 29, the first week of December.

“The operational financing has to come in before we can open the trailers.”

Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam said he will try to find funding, but added that the province must step up.

“I don’t think the vulnerable population can wait. You hear crickets when it comes time to put pen to paper and secure funding. So step forward or shut up. I’m done, ”he said Friday.

“I am extremely, extremely frustrated and disappointed at the lack of support from other agencies.”

Edginton said the chances of the proposed shelter operator not coming to Wetaskiwin are low, but noted that there could be other city costs such as fencing, increased security and insurance for trailers.

Alberta Health Services has a temporary contract with a local non-profit organization to ensure that there is access to clean water, food and firewood for the homeless in the camp until shelter space is secured.

The association will also support transportation to medical appointments.