Edmonton Councillor Demands Urgent Support for Troubled Shelter

UPDATE: Edmonton city councillor Aaron Paquette has raised alarms about alarming reports of social disorder at the Community of Hope emergency shelter on Fort Road. The situation necessitates immediate action as concerns over drug use and violence threaten the safety of local businesses and community members.

The Community of Hope, located at 504 Belvedere Way, operates under the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta and provides emergency shelter for up to 96 women and gender-diverse individuals. Paquette, representing Ward Dene, confirmed he will address these urgent issues at the city council meeting on Tuesday.

“This shelter needs more support to ensure safety in the area,” Paquette stated, highlighting the troubling incidents of open-air drug use and physical altercations affecting nearby businesses. He plans to propose enhanced support for the shelter, increased enforcement for residents, and greater protection for local businesses.

The councillor’s motion will include a request for a detailed report from city administration, summarizing police and emergency service calls related to the shelter. This will encompass costs associated with responding to encampments, graffiti removal, and necessary garbage clean-up. Additionally, the motion seeks to evaluate the current site management and safety practices to address ongoing issues.

As Edmonton grapples with a rising homelessness crisis, Paquette’s motion aims to explore potential transition options for the shelter’s services, including alternative locations and the cessation of lease extensions once the current agreement expires.

In response, Amber Edgerton, press secretary for the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services, defended the shelter’s operations, stating it meets all provincial expectations for safety and accommodations. “It’s deeply concerning to see motions that limit shelter for Albertans and attack the individuals providing this essential service,” Edgerton remarked.

The province recently invested $220 million into homelessness initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to supporting over 150 Indigenous-led shelter spaces and nearly 500 women-only shelter spaces. Despite these efforts, community concerns persist.

Local business leaders, including Ian Durie of the Fort Road Business Association, echoed these worries, citing a pervasive sense of disorder affecting multiple businesses along Fort Road. Durie stated, “We support the Elizabeth Fry Society completely and feel that they’re much needed in the community.”

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as Edmonton officials continue to assess the impact of the Community of Hope on the surrounding area. The Edmonton Police Service has been contacted for additional data regarding calls and incidents related to the shelter.

As the situation evolves, community members and business owners are urged to stay informed and engaged. The outcome of Paquette’s motion could significantly influence the future of emergency shelter services in Edmonton.