City Council receives latest Encampment Strategy update

Throughout the summer months, the City’s Encampment Response Team (ERT) has been busy responding to calls and providing outreach services for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

On Tuesday, Lethbridge City Council received the latest update on the City of Lethbridge’s Encampment Strategy – which recaps the June 14 to August 26 reporting period.

In this time, the ERT experienced a 27 per cent increase in reported encampments from the same period in 2023. With 336 calls triaged, 134 were identified to be an encampment in alignment with our Tier 1-3 parameters. The remaining calls have been for other related topics such as debris, mess in a lane or unsightly premises. There were 15 coordinated encampment clean-ups with a total of 160 structures and 10,650 kg of debris removed.

“This timeframe represents the high season for the encampment response,” says Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development. “Along with the increase came new trends and challenges related to ever changing dynamics of encampments. Our team was flexible and consistent in order to maintain the high the level of service achieved in 2023. We are committed to continual improvement and will continue to be proactive in locating and safely managing encampments.”

While the revised Outreach approach approved by Council in July was only operational in the month of August, early results are very encouraging. Staff have been able to provide a variety of supports to individuals in encampments who face navigation challenges, such as substance use, mental health issues and other barriers to housing.

“On behalf of City Council, I want to thank our Community Social Development team for their ongoing efforts to help the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “We are excited to see the team providing increased connection with social supports and helping with transitioning individuals out of encampments and into stable shelter and housing options.”

The Encampment Strategy, initially approved by City Council in May 2023 and operationalized in June 2023, is the guiding framework for City administration, in partnership with LPS, to provide the community a coordinated and consistent response. It recognizes the importance of balancing the needs and protection of the dignity of the most vulnerable while maintaining public safety, health, order, and safe and enjoyable parks and green spaces for all residents.

In May, Council approved several updates to the Encampment Strategy. Within the strategy is a commitment to clear and consistent communication and reporting to Council and the community through bi-monthly updates to City Council in regularly scheduled Council meetings with aligned media availability.