Lethbridge reports huge increase in homeless encampments

Lethbridge city council heard, in an update on its homeless encampment strategy, that more camps were found in the city.

Lethbridge says it’s seen a huge increase in the number of homeless encampments and the largest monthly jump since officials established a plan to address the issue in 2023.

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On Tuesday, council was presented with the January update for its encampment strategy, which said the response team saw a 195 per cent increase in encampments compared to the same period in 2023.

Despite the increase, the team says there is a greater willingness of those living in the communities to engage with them.

That’s resulted in a 50-per cent increase in intakes during cleanups, they said.

Lethbridge’s encampment strategy was developed as a partnership between the City of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Police Service and was put into action in 2023.

It aims to balance the needs and protection of the dignity of Lethbridge’s vulnerable populations while maintaining public safety, health, order and safe and enjoyable parks and green spaces for all residents.