Extreme Weather

People have rightfully been sharing their concerns for the safety of unhoused individuals during periods of extreme cold, and I share these concerns. The extreme cold is life-threatening and as we continue to work towards more permanent housing solutions, we must continue to act in the immediate to ensure the safety and well-being of all Edmontonians.

Today I met with the City Manager to get more clarity on the City’s extreme weather response and what this policy is looking like in practice - especially regarding LRT stations as temporary shelter from the cold. In previous years the City put temporary measures in place to have LRT stations remain open during times of extreme weather. However, this decision highlighted how LRT stations are not appropriate alternatives as there are issues related to lack of heat, washrooms, food, outreach staff, as well as dangerous activity related to the LRT tracks.

I appreciate the complexity of addressing these concerns and that there’s no one easy solution. The opening of Commonwealth Stadium is intended to serve as a safe temporary serviced shelter space, alongside other measures including free bus transit options to safely transport individuals, or remain on the bus as a heated space; most of these buses are staffed with social agency personnel for assistance. In the event that individuals are required to leave LRT stations, there HAS to be a safe, and viable alternative offered to the individual. Compassion, respect, safety and dignity should never be compromised throughout this work.

Let’s be clear, these measures are not solutions. Together we need to find more permanent solutions and continue to act and work with our community partners, and other orders of government to address permanent housing.

If you see someone in distress Call 911. For non-emergency support Call 211, press 3.