WETASKIWIN, Alberta. –
A city in central Alberta has taken another step to secure heated 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 homeless camp 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”. Health service providers have identified many risks, including inadequate sources of heat, shelter, food and security.
At a special city council meeting on Friday, an additional $ 35,000 was approved in addition to the $ 150,000 in federal grants to pay for emergency heated trailers until 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, who is in talks with the Government of Alberta.
“At this point, they’re ready to come to town,” he said. “They are ramping up. They are doing everything to be ready to come on November 29, the first week of December.
“The operational funding has to come in before we can open the trailers. “
Wetaskiwin mayor Tyler Gandam said he would try to find funds, but added the province needs to step up efforts.
“I don’t think the vulnerable population can wait. You hear crickets when it comes time to grab a pen and get funding. So get up or shut up. I’m done, ”he said on Friday.
“I am extremely, extremely frustrated and disappointed with the lack of support from other agencies. “
Edginton said the chances of the operator of the proposed refuge not coming to Wetaskiwin are low, but he noted that there could be other costs to the city, including fencing, increased security and insurance for trailers.
Alberta Health Services has a temporary contract with a local non-profit organization to ensure access to clean water, food and firewood for the homeless in the camp until a space d shelter be found.
The partnership will also support transportation to medical appointments.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 12, 2021.
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