Camp Pekiwewin is a temporary encampment in Rossdale, west of RE/MAX Field. Organizers set up the site in July 2020 as a resource for those experiencing homelessness. The City has been working with Camp organizers and our partners to ensure the safety of people in the camp and the surrounding community. The City has engaged with camp organizers in developing a collaborative approach to ending the encampment.
Temporary Accommodation Opens October 30
The temporary accommodation opens at the Edmonton Convention Centre on Friday, October 30 and will provide people experiencing homelessness with a warm safe place to go this winter.
- Boyle Street Community Services, Mustard Seed Society, the Bissell Centre, and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society will work together to meet the overall goals of operating the 24/7 accommodation space.
- People will have a place to sleep, receive daily meals and have access to storage, washrooms and shower facilities. People who stay at the temporary accommodation can expect to be fully supported on their path toward stable housing, as well as having access to mental health, addictions, overdose prevention, Indigenous, cultural, and youth supports.
- The convention centre will be operated 24/7 by professionally trained staff who have experience working in the homeless serving sector, including social workers and health professionals. Security personnel will also be on site to help ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.
- At full capacity the space will be able to accommodate up to 300 people for day services and overnight shelter.
Hope Mission Temporary Full-Time Shelter at Commonwealth Stadium
The City is supporting the Hope Mission in creating a temporary shelter at Commonwealth Stadium.
- The space accommodates more than 100 people and is expected to operate until March.
- The space has opened initially as an overnight shelter to replace space previously provided at the Central Lions Senior Centre. The City is working with Hope Mission to move to a 24/7 shelter, where people will have access to meal services, day and night sleeping accommodations, as well as social services and housing information.
- People can access this shelter through a bus service from the Hope Mission facility.
Mustard Seed Shelter
The Mustard Seed will also expand its shelter and programming for vulnerable populations with a new 24/7 facility on the south side that is expected to open November 2.
Community Safety
- The City is working with community partners to identify and employ strategies that support safety and security within the neighbourhoods surrounding the locations.
- Temporary traffic safety measures are being implemented along Grierson Hill. These include a crosswalk, reduced speed limit to 30km/hr, and signage to advise drivers of changes and encourage them to watch for people crossing Grierson Hill.
For more information on resources and supports available throughout the city, call 211. For any questions or concerns about the temporary shelter, please contact 311. For more information about the Hope Mission Temporary Full-Time Shelter at Commonwealth Stadium contact Hope Mission at (780) 422-2018
City to use Edmonton Convention Centre for Temporary Accommodation
Update: October 9, 2020
The City of Edmonton will use part of the Edmonton Convention Centre for temporary accommodation for vulnerable individuals as part of its commitment to ending homelessness in Edmonton.
People who stay at the temporary accommodation will have a safe, warm place to sleep, receive daily meals and have access to storage, washrooms and shower facilities. They will also have access to culturally appropriate health and wellness support, including mental health and addiction resources, as well as housing support workers who can help them transition into bridge accommodation and find longer term housing.
The facility will be open 24/7 and operated by community agencies from Edmonton’s homeless serving sector.
Additional details on the services to be offered at the facility, and the agencies providing each of those services, will be shared as soon as they are available.
Temporary Accommodation
Update: October 5, 2020
Up to 600 people sleep outside on any given night in Edmonton. With concern for the safety and well-being of those sleeping rough during the pandemic, the City of Edmonton is moving forward with a plan to provide temporary accommodation for Edmonton’s vulnerable population to quickly address homelessness in Edmonton.
The City-owned facility will provide temporary accommodation for those experiencing homelessness, many of whom have been staying in encampments. It will provide a safe space for vulnerable people 24/7 with day programming, proper amenities and health supports. It is expected to open at the end of October.
We are also identifying short-term bridge housing options for individuals to move into until permanent supportive housing can be arranged.
The City will be working closely with partner agencies, the organizers of the Camp Pekiwewin and Light Horse Park encampments, and businesses to ensure the transition to temporary accommodation is respectful and the needs of all stakeholders are taken into consideration.
