‘Fully-functioning’ underground tunnel encampment dismantled by Calgary police

Crews worked for three days to excavate a human-made, underground encampment in Calgary’s southeast, according to new details released by the city.

In early September, while conducting standard patrols, members of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) District 1 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) found an underground encampment site in a wooded area near the 320 block of 25 Avenue SE, approaching Spiller Road SE.

Officers saw the encampment entrance on a steep, brush-covered slope, with what appeared to be a human-made tunnel dug into the ground with an established, fully functioning shelter structure inside, according to the city.

The structure was about six feet high and around 10 feet by seven feet in diameter.

Police also found a homemade taser on the ground inside the encampment.

Officers didn’t find anyone inside or near the tunnel when it was first found or in the weeks that followed.

No one is in custody and no charges have been laid, the city says.

Following the discovery, Emergency Management and Community Safety (EMCS), THE Calgary Fire Department (CFD) Technical Rescue Team, and Parks and Open Spaces and Infrastructure Services, were all notified to complete an extensive assessment of the property.

The city says encampments are immediately removed if there is evidence of imminent health and safety risk.

On Monday, Sept. 23, ahead of the planned excavation of the site. the EMCS Vulnerable Persons Team did a thorough search of the area and removed debris outside of the entrance.

WATCH: City crews, police removing large tunnel encampment found near Stampede Park

A final check was done on Sept. 26 to ensure no one was inside before crews began excavating the area.

“Public safety for all Calgarians is our priority. This was an incredibly elaborate underground structure that was highly dangerous, not only for those inhabiting it, but for the surrounding community,” CPS District 1 Community Engagement Response Team Sgt. Kristian Thorpe said in a statement. “We continue to lead with compassion and help connect those who are facing homelessness with resources and supports. We thank all of our city partners for their assistance.” 

Thorpe says this type of underground structure isn’t a recurring issue in Calgary.

Community Standards Insp. Sue Wall says camping on public land is against city bylaws.

“However, when approaching sites where individuals are experiencing homelessness, we balance compassion with their safety and the safety of the community,” Wall added. “Our teams work with community partners like the Drop-In Centre and Alpha House to provide services to individuals who are in need, and work to establish relationships and connect them to a variety of social supports and offers of help, if they are willing,”