The following resolution is related to the Notice of Motion Re: Urban Encampment Responses submitted by Councillor Lawrence Lee and read today at City Council’s regular meeting.

Notice of Motion Re: Urban Encampment Responses

Whereas The City of Red Deer is responsible for the health and safety of citizens and staff accessing public lands, trails, and parks; and

Whereas The City is responsible for the ecological protection of the natural areas located within our community; and

Whereas encampments are not safe environments for people to live; and

Whereas encampments do not provide a safe environment for the public to use trails parks and public spaces; and

Whereas The City respects and supports our community’s vulnerable populations and has shelter and housing supports in place as alternatives to individuals sleeping rough;

Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The City of Red Deer directs Administration bring forward a report on encampments within Red Deer’s publicly owned lands prior to Q3 2024. This report would include outcomes and analysis of possible service level changes. The report should consider but not be limited to:

• Reducing the time to dismantle encampments
• Preventing establishment of encampments
• Connecting rough sleepers with social supports and understanding overall community shelter capacity
• Develop recommendations for individuals setting up or using encampments to encourage them to seek alternative shelter
• How much money The City has spent on the cleanup of encampments over the past 5 years, and how much subsidy, if any, has been provided by other levels of government.
• Including the continuum of housing that is currently available in Red Deer and what is needed
• That Administration report to council on the progress of the review of Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response