Calgary police clear encampment after reports of violence, weapons
Posted Mar 11, 2024 10:48 am.
Calgary police have removed an encampment in the Starfield Industrial Area after several reports of violence and weapons at the end of last year.
Police say the investigation into the encampment began in late 2023 after police received calls from the public about people being threatened with hammers, axes, and guns.
Officers didn’t find any suspects or victims when they arrived on scene.
In January, officers returned to the area for a better look at the encampment and found a “substantial” amount of waste.
Police also believe the occupants were dumping waste into the Forest Lawn Creek.
The camp included a structure made of plywood with a plastic roof and a bridge over the creek that led to a hole that had been cut in a chain-ink fence, where a much bigger camp was found, according to investigators.
Investigators found sports equipment, stripped electric scooters, clothing, bedding, and furniture.
Four people were found in the encampment by officers which, alongside Calgary Police Service Community Resource Officers, Calgary Community Standards Encampment Team and the Alpha House Encampment Team, worked with the individuals to offer supports and sheltering options.
In January, occupants of the area were given 30-days notice to pack up their belongings, police say.
A week ahead of the deadline, CPS officers returned to remind the individuals about the upcoming clean-up and their options for support.
Police say no efforts had been made by the occupants to clean up and they indicated they had no intention to leave.
From Wednesday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 23, 200 cubic yards of waste was removed using heavy equipment and six construction dumpsters, according to investigators.
The clean-up costs are expected to top $16,000 when crews return in the spring to remove the rest of the garbage once the ground thaws.
Police executed multiple outstanding warrants on the people that were arrested, including five counts of fail to appear, one count of arson, one count of fail to register with a sex offender registry, and one count of driving while unauthorized.
Four people were charged with one count of causing a damage to public land, causing accumulation of debris on public land, and occupy public land without authorization under the Alberta Public Lands Act.
CPS says all of the arrested individuals were provided support and access to social services through the Alpha House Encampment Team and the District Police and Crisis Team (DPACT) partnership with Alberta Health Services clinicians. One of the individuals has been referred to Action Table Calgary.
