The City of Edmonton is committed to the safety, dignity and well-being of all Edmontonians, especially those most vulnerable to the challenges of being unhoused.
During the spring and summer seasons, vulnerable people continue to face significant risks while unsheltered, including heat-related illnesses, the effects of poor air quality and limited access to vital supports.
The Summer Safety Response Plan brings together the coordinated efforts of multiple City teams. These areas contribute their specialized efforts to ensure that vulnerable Edmontonians have access to essential resources and support to mitigate these risks throughout the warmer months.
What To Do If You See Someone In Need
If you see someone in distress during hot weather or experiencing potential effects from poor air quality, here’s what you can do to help:
Call 211 and press 3: Crisis Diversion Team
This service will connect you with support teams that are trained to assist vulnerable individuals and help connect them to appropriate resources.
Call 911 if:
- The individual appears to be in immediate danger, such as showing signs of heatstroke or is unresponsive
- The situation requires urgent fire, police or medical assistance
Sheltering
Shelters in Edmonton provide safety and support throughout the year, and offer essential connections to support services. While the immediate need for warmth is less critical in the summer, shelters remain vital for providing a safe environment, a break from the heat or poor air quality and access to essential services that support well-being.
Shelters in Edmonton are funded by the Government of Alberta, which is responsible for monitoring capacity and utilization to ensure there are enough spaces for those in need.
For more information on shelter locations, visit Government of Alberta's Shelter Resource.
Outdoor Sheltering in Public Spaces
Public spaces such as parks, transit facilities and waste bins are not safe or designed for overnight sheltering. During the warmer seasons, people sheltering outdoors in public spaces face hazards such as heatstroke, dehydration and lack of access to sanitation.
If you see someone near a bin, please call 211 and press 3 for the Crisis Diversion Team, available 24/7 to connect individuals to support.
Seeking refuge in waste bins is extremely dangerous, regardless of the season. During the summer, the risk of heatstroke and the lack of ventilation within bins add to the existing dangers of waste collection processes and hazardous materials like glass and chemicals.
City waste collectors do their best to check bins before they are emptied because collection trucks pose serious risks from compaction. The City, along with social agency partners, is raising awareness of these dangers and providing alternative and safer options.
During periods of extreme heat and poor air quality, the City provides access to City recreation facilities and libraries to help Edmontonians stay cool, hydrated and safe.
Learn more about our Extreme Weather Response for Summer.
Water Stations
The City of Edmonton installs water stations across the city to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe drinking water during hot weather.
Water stations are operational from the end of May-September 30, 2025.
Summer Resource Card
Provides crucial summer-specific information on resources such as where to find basic needs like meals, clothing and hygiene items, health services and emergency shelters.
Carried by frontline City staff, including Peace Officers and Police Officers and available at libraries and City Hall.
Healthier Together is a comprehensive collaboration between the City, Alberta Health Services and social agencies that seeks to remove obstacles to essential health services.
Healthier Together’s weekly events provide individuals with direct healthcare as well as takeaway health resources such as hygiene kits, wound care supplies and wellness education, empowering people to take charge of their health.
The Healthier Together Health and Wellness pop-up clinic provided vital support to the community: between May 21, 2024-April 9, 2025, there were a total of 1,983 visits to the pop-up.
Services Available
Pop-ups occur every Tuesday, weather permitting, at Butler Park (157 Street and Stony Plain Road) from 12:30-4pm.
The following services are available:
- Wound care
- Blood pressure and sugar monitoring
- Health assessments
- Education and referrals
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing
Team Responsibilities
Composed of Community Peace Officers, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and City Operations, the ERT responds to encampments by:
- Logging community concerns
- Assessing each site’s status (occupied or vacant)
- Prioritizing responses based on community health and safety considerations
While closures of encampments are governed by lawful placement under City bylaws and other legislation, the team’s assessment of risks - such as fire hazards, biohazards and proximity to vulnerable locations - ensures that the highest priority risks are attended to first. This approach aims to protect both vulnerable individuals and the broader community.
Encampment Closures
During an encampment closure, the ERT offers individuals onsite support, resources, and transportation to the Government of Alberta’s Navigation and Support Centre, where they can access additional services. Once the site is vacant, the ERT coordinates with City cleanup crews to clear and sanitize the site, ensuring it is safe and usable for the public. The team’s work balances enforcement with compassion, focusing on both immediate community safety and long-term support for vulnerable individuals.
Encampment closures proceed only when sufficient shelter space is available. The Government of Alberta provides occupancy data to the ERT as shelter capacity reaches 90%, teams receive an email prompting them to verify availability before any closure.
How We Respond to Encampments
CSB Community Peace Officers (CPOs) work on integrated assessment and resolution teams with Police Officers from the EPS to log and respond to 311 complaints, assess the status of encampment sites (active/inactive), engage with people staying in encampments and prioritize responses based on risk factors and safety considerations. The process is as follows:
311 receives an encampment complaint.
ERT assesses the site.
- If the site is determined to be an Active Site:
- ERT informs occupants to vacate the site with belongings
- ERT offers transportation to the Navigation and Support Centre and/or other available support services
- If the site is determined to be an Inactive Site:
- The site is added to the cleanup schedule
Cleanup crews remediate the site.
Site is resolved.
Encampment Risks Explained
Encampments can present many serious risks to the health and safety of the people living there and the surrounding community. While some of these risks are present year-round, summer brings specific and significant dangers that we must address with care and concern.
The City is committed to responding to these risks with compassion, providing support to vulnerable individuals, working towards long-term solutions and encouraging access and connection to supports and services available at shelters.
Critical Risks to Life and Immediate Safety
Why it matters
People in encampments sometimes rely on fires for cooking or warmth, often out of necessity. If they lack safe ways to manage flammable materials, fires can easily and unexpectedly start. In the dry summer months, this becomes even more dangerous, creating a heightened risk of fires spreading rapidly and threatening the encampment itself, as well as nearby areas and property. Tents and belongings, being highly flammable, can ignite very quickly, and tragically, people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton have lost their lives in such devastating fires. We recognize the vulnerability of individuals in these precarious situations, especially when seeking to meet basic needs.
Why we care
Fires in encampments can cause serious injuries, loss of life, and widespread damage, representing a concerning reality that demands our urgent attention. The City is committed to preventing these tragedies by offering safer alternatives and education on fire safety, providing access to fire-resistant resources where feasible, and actively working to protect vulnerable people from fire danger. We are equally dedicated to safeguarding public spaces and the safety of surrounding neighbourhoods. Wildfire prevention is an especially critical priority during the summer, and we approach this with a profound sense of responsibility and care.
Why it matters
People experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of accidental and potentially fatal overdoses. Hot weather can increase the risks associated with substance use, and people may be farther from emergency services when they need them most. These factors, combined with the ongoing presence of toxic drug supplies, contribute to a complex and serious public health challenge.
Why we care
The City works closely with health and social service partners to help reduce harm and connect people with life-saving supports. While overdose prevention and substance-use treatment are primarily led by other orders of government, the City remains committed to working alongside community partners to promote safety and support people with compassion.
Why it matters
Prolonged and excessive exposure to high temperatures can unfortunately lead to a range of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, including severe heatstroke, dangerous heat exhaustion, and critical dehydration. This is especially dangerous and poses a heightened risk for individuals without consistent and reliable access to adequate shade, sufficient drinking water, or effective ways to cool down their bodies. Certain medications and underlying pre-existing health conditions can also significantly increase an individual's susceptibility to heat-related illnesses, creating a complex and urgent health challenge.
Why we care
The City is deeply committed to proactively preventing heat-related illnesses among vulnerable populations. Providing readily accessible cooling centres strategically located throughout the city, ensuring consistent access to clean drinking water, and offering clear, practical, and easily understandable information and resources on how to stay safe and healthy in the heat are essential components of our comprehensive and compassionate response. We also actively collaborate with local health services to provide timely and effective medical support and appropriate treatment for those individuals affected by heat-related illnesses.
Why it matters
Summer in Edmonton can bring prolonged periods of very hot weather. High temperatures, often combined with high humidity, can create extremely challenging and dangerous conditions, posing a significant risk of severe heatstroke, dangerous dehydration and debilitating exhaustion. If people don't have consistent access to adequate shade, reliable hydration, or effective ways to cool down, these risks are greatly amplified. Prolonged exposure to summer heat can be life-threatening for people without adequate and consistent shelter. Furthermore, weather conditions in Edmonton can change rapidly, and sudden storms can pose a significant risk, requiring us to be consistently mindful of the uncertainty of their situation.
Why we care
No one should be forced to endure such dangerous and potentially deadly weather conditions. The City is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable people by compassionately providing potable water bottling stations, and safe places to seek respite from the heat, such as designated City facilities. We also prioritize providing clear and actionable information and readily accessible resources on how to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. Our fundamental aim is to prevent harm, alleviate suffering, and ultimately save lives, acknowledging the very real and immediate threat that summer heat poses to those experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Why it matters
People living in encampments may face significant difficulties in accessing timely and effective emergency services during critical situations, such as acute health crises or sudden fires. During the summer months, prompt access to emergency medical care for heat-related emergencies becomes even more crucial. Furthermore, the often-remote or inaccessible locations of some encampments can significantly hinder emergency responders' ability to reach individuals quickly, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening concern.
Why we care
Everyone, without exception, deserves consistent access to timely and effective emergency care. The City is committed to reducing any and all barriers to accessing emergency services, especially during periods of extreme weather conditions, recognizing the heightened urgency of these situations. We continuously work to improve communication systems and enhance access to emergency services for individuals in encampments, ensuring they receive the critical care they need when it matters most.
Serious Health, Violence, Environmental Risks
Why it matters
People living in encampments can be at an increased risk of experiencing violence, theft, and various forms of exploitation. This can include incidents of physical assault, robbery, and being taken advantage of, further compounding the existing trauma and hardship associated with living without safe and secure shelter. These are serious and deeply concerning issues that demand our immediate and sustained attention and action, and they can create a pervasive climate of fear and insecurity within encampments.
Why we care
The safety and overall well-being of every resident, including the most vulnerable Edmontonians, is a fundamental priority for the City. We collaborate closely and consistently with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and dedicated social service agencies to provide support, actively work to protect people from harm, and offer safer and more dignified alternatives to the inherent dangers of living in encampments. This comprehensive approach includes increased outreach efforts and readily available support services aimed at helping individuals find greater safety, stability, and a path towards improved well-being.
Why it matters
Dehydration is a serious and potentially life-threatening concern, especially during periods of hot weather. Increased physical activity, combined with limited and inconsistent access to clean and safe drinking water, can significantly increase this risk, potentially leading to severe health complications, including organ damage. Dehydration can also occur relatively quickly and has the potential to worsen the impact of other underlying health conditions, compounding the already numerous difficulties faced by unsheltered individuals.
Why we care
Ensuring that all people have consistent access to clean and readily available drinking water is essential, particularly during the hot summer months. The City is committed to actively promoting proper hydration and working diligently to prevent dehydration among vulnerable populations by providing easily accessible water stations throughout the city, distributing bottled water during outreach efforts, and consistently raising public awareness about the critical importance of staying adequately hydrated.
Why it matters
During the summer months, Edmonton can unfortunately experience periods of poor air quality, often due to smoke from distant wildfires or other sources of pollution. Poor air quality can significantly cause or worsen existing breathing problems, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also cause considerable discomfort and irritation to sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and throat, adding to the already significant challenges faced daily by those living outdoors.
Why we care
Protecting the respiratory health and overall well-being of all residents is a high priority, and we recognize our particular responsibility to those who are more directly and consistently exposed to the elements. The City is committed to providing accessible and timely information, along with practical resources including access to City facilities, to help vulnerable people effectively reduce their exposure to poor air quality and find relief from its harmful effects, recognizing the significant impact this environmental factor has on their daily lives.
Why it matters
Encampments often lack access to basic sanitation facilities, such as clean running water, functioning toilets, and regular garbage disposal, which creates various biohazards. This includes the risk of exposure to discarded needles, dangerous pathogens from accumulated bodily waste, and the general buildup of garbage and refuse, all of which can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and other significant health problems. These are difficult and unsanitary conditions that demand attention and action.
Why we care
Everyone, without exception, deserves consistent access to basic sanitation facilities and essential healthcare services. Safe, clean and hygienic environments are essential to protect individual and community health and effectively prevent the broader spread of diseases. The City is committed to addressing these multifaceted challenges by providing public washrooms in strategic locations where feasible and actively working in close collaboration with partner organizations to improve overall sanitation conditions and consistently promote essential hygiene practices.
Why it matters
Encampments can attract various pests and wildlife, including rodents and insects, all of which can potentially spread diseases and cause significant discomfort and irritation. There is also the potential for encounters with larger wild or domesticated animals, which can pose a direct safety risk to individuals in encampments. These are concerning health and safety issues that can significantly impact the well-being of those in encampments, and they can exacerbate existing health problems and create additional challenges.
Why we care
Effectively reducing the risk of insect-borne diseases and actively preventing potentially harmful animal encounters is a critical and important aspect of protecting the overall health and safety of people in encampments. The City is committed to working diligently to manage public spaces in a way that minimizes these risks and provides readily accessible information and resources on practical preventative measures that individuals can take to protect themselves.
Community, Environmental, Operational Challenges
Why it matters
Encampments are sometimes located in inherently unsafe or environmentally unstable areas, such as along riverbanks (posing a significant risk of flooding), on unstable or sloped ground (posing a risk of collapse), or near industrial sites (potentially exposing people to harmful toxins). These precarious locations can also cause significant damage to the surrounding environment, creating a complex and challenging problem. The accumulation of waste and improper disposal of hazardous materials can also lead to soil and water contamination, posing further risks to both human and environmental health.
Why we care
Helping people relocate from these inherently unsafe areas to secure, stable, and supportive housing options is essential for ensuring their immediate and long-term safety and well-being. The City is also committed to protecting our valuable environment and critical infrastructure, fully recognizing the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental health. We actively work to mitigate any environmental damage caused by encampments and implement effective strategies to restore affected areas to a safe and healthy condition.
Why it matters
The lack of proper sanitation and hygiene facilities in encampments can contribute to the increased risk of the spread of infectious diseases. This can occur through direct or indirect contact with bodily waste. During the summer, there might also be a heightened risk of diseases being spread by insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks. Furthermore, overcrowding in encampments can also significantly increase the risk of disease transmission, creating a challenging and complex public health situation.
Why we care
Everyone, without exception, deserves access to basic sanitation facilities and essential healthcare services, regardless of their individual housing situation. The City is actively working to provide and maintain public washrooms in accessible public areas and diligently works to connect individuals with crucial health services and support. Creating safe, clean, and hygienic environments is essential to effectively protect people's health and prevent the broader spread of diseases within the community, and we approach this multifaceted challenge with a strong commitment to public well-being.
Why it matters
Larger encampments can present significantly increased safety and health risks for both the people there and the surrounding community. These larger encampments can strain available resources, potentially attract criminal activity, create heightened fire hazards, and present significant challenges related to garbage accumulation and sanitation, which can contribute to the spread of disease. Larger encampments are also inherently more difficult to effectively manage and consistently provide adequate support services to, creating complex logistical and humanitarian challenges for all involved.
Why we care
The City has a responsibility to maintain safe and healthy environments for all residents, including those experiencing homelessness. Addressing the numerous challenges posed by larger encampments is essential to effectively reduce risks and protect the overall well-being and dignity of everyone involved. This complex undertaking requires a coordinated and multifaceted approach that effectively balances immediate safety concerns with the development and implementation of sustainable long-term solutions focused on providing stable housing options and readily accessible support services.
Why it matters
Encampments located near sensitive areas such as schools, public parks, and busy roads can create significant safety concerns for both the encampment occupants and the surrounding community. These locations can pose increased dangers such as traffic hazards, various environmental hazards, and the potential for conflict or other safety-related issues, requiring careful consideration and proactive intervention. These locations may also inadvertently limit access to and the full enjoyment of public spaces for other residents of the city.
Why we care
The City has a responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and inherent dignity of all Edmontonians. Addressing encampments located in high-risk areas is a crucial component of our ongoing work to protect vulnerable people, effectively reduce potential conflicts, and maintain safe and accessible public spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone in the community. This multifaceted approach involves close collaboration with social service agencies to diligently find safer and more appropriate housing alternatives for individuals currently living in these precarious locations.
Why it matters
First responders and frontline staff, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, community peace officers and outreach workers, face various risks when they respond to situations at encampments. These risks can include potential exposure to biohazards, navigating unpredictable and potentially volatile situations, and the possibility of experiencing or witnessing violence. They may also be exposed to traumatic events, which can take a significant toll on their emotional and psychological well-being. These occupational hazards can impact both their physical and mental health.
Why we care
Ensuring the safety and well-being of these dedicated and essential workers is a critical priority. They provide invaluable services to our community and deserve our utmost respect and support as they work tirelessly to help vulnerable people. When they are safe, supported, and adequately equipped, they can perform their demanding duties more effectively and with greater compassion, ultimately benefiting the whole community. The City is committed to providing comprehensive training, essential safety equipment, and readily accessible mental health resources to help staff effectively manage and mitigate these risks.
Encampment Service Response Time - Service Level (April 2025)
Monthly data may change slightly from month to month as reports are added or updated.
| Type | Targeted Service Level | Actual Service Level | Trend (Compared to April 2024) | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Assessment Time required to complete the initial assessment of an encampment complaint. | 4 days | 1.99 days | 53% decrease | 2.37 Days |
| Site Clean Up Clean up vacant sites, once notified. | 7 days | 2.96 days | 36% decrease | 2.47 Days |
| Average Total Response Time from Complaint to Clean Open to completed. The Site Assessment, Site Clean Up and Average Total Response Time measures use different time periods, meaning the Average Total may not directly match the sum of the Site Assessment and Site Clean Up values. | 11 days | 5.49 Days | 15% decrease | 4.01 Days |
- Target Service Levels are targets and are reliant on the types of sites and other factors (such as, size, severity, complexity, location, accessibility, fluctuation in complaint numbers, weather conditions)
- Actual Service Levels are based on data actuals showing the average time required across all types of sites
Encampment Response : April 1-30, 2025
Monthly data may change slightly from month to month as reports are added and updated.
| April | Trend (Compared to Apr 2024) | Year to Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 311 Encampment Complaints Number of complaints 311 received during the reporting period. It is not uncommon to receive duplicate complaints for the same site. The number of encampment sites addressed each month is reflected in the row below. | 1,389 | 10% decrease | 2,139 |
| Encampment Sites Cleaned Not every encampment closed requires cleaning | 461 | 21% decrease | 1,277 |
| Propane Tanks Removed | 137 | 40% decrease | 749 |
| Shopping Carts Removed | 398 | 11% decrease | 959 |
| Needles Removed | 2,527 | 22% decrease | 5,972 |
| Material Removed (kg) | 131,020 | 6.5% decrease | 384,085 |
| Number of medical events EFRS has responded to (encampment-related) | 78 | 129% increase | 303 |
| Number of fire rescue events EFRS has responded to (encampment-related) | 167 | 2% decrease | 546 |
| Documented injuries from fires at encampments | 0 | 200% increase | 3 |
| Number of fatalities documented by EFRS as involving fire (encampment-related) These statistics are subject to change as new information becomes available. EFRS confirms a fire-related fatality. The cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. | 0 | No change | 1 |
How You Can Help
The Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) offers tools and resources to help residents and businesses create safer neighbourhoods.
The Neighbourhood Response Guide also provides information on how to help people experiencing homelessness and what to do if you see someone in distress.
NET also partnered with the Mustard Seed to provide virtual training on encouraging positive interactions with vulnerable people and those experiencing homelessness.
Edmontonians can also help welcome affordable housing in their neighbourhoods to support efforts to end homelessness.