Costly estimates for city-sanctioned camps in Edmonton are a concern for a councilor – Edmonton | Globalnews.ca

Edmonton is now in the summer months when homeless camps pop up around the city.

Ward O-day’min Coun, want to help those in need. Anne Stevenson asked the administration two weeks ago to see how much it would cost the city to approve its own camps this summer.

“The administration came back with a report that delved into the operation of some small scale sanctioned camps and most notable is the price tag,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson said the cost to set up and operate small-town walk-in camps for 60 people for three months is $2.1 million, which includes the cost of paying for a range of social support and 24/7 security. .

A welcome list, but one that Stevenson said comes at a much higher price than she anticipated.

“For that level of investment, we’re better off investing in other solutions that have a long-term impact,” Stevenson said.

She says the report also outlines other options such as tiny homes, trailers and apartments.

Great option, but Stevenson said that probably won’t be in place until next spring.

“I’m disappointed that there’s nothing more we can do this summer,” Stevenson said. “What is happening right now is not good for anyone.”

Jim Gurnett, with the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, said sanctioned camp is an option that should not be denied.

“If[people]are going to be camping and living in these kind of informal conditions, an approved and supervised place that is healthy and safe is absolutely a good direction to go,” Gurnett said. “And I believe it can be done successfully.”

Gurnett said that if money is the issue, it is important to determine what the costs are for not choosing this option.

“Two million dollars, lives saved and a better healthy community can be a good investment,” Gurnett said.

Stevenson said she would like to explore lower-cost options when the council discusses the proposal on Monday.

But with the budget restrictions, it doubts that the plan will pass with its current price tag.

“It’s the spirit of failing Edmontonians, failing people in our community that need housing which is a very basic thing we all deserve,” Stevenson said.

If there are no approved camps, Stevenson said she wants to focus more on getting people living in tents into permanent assisted living.