More shelter space coming, but some worry it is too late for Edmonton's vulnerable
Six people have died in encampments since the cold weather began, as the city and provincial governments prepare further shelter capacity.
On Wednesday, the Edmonton Police Service confirmed officers removed a body around 1:30 p.m. from a tent across the street from the Mustard Seed Church. Investigators say it was non-criminal in nature.
At the same time, city council was hearing about the crisis from advocate Judith Gale.
"These are our brothers and sisters and they're dying at a fast rate," Gale told councillors.
Five others have died in encampments between Oct. 12 and Nov. 30, the city confirmed to CTV News Edmonton.
A day later, outreach workers with Boyle Street Community Services make their daily rounds checking on people experiencing homelessness in the downtown core.
They offer warm clothing, food, water and other supplies to help people cope.
Ken, a volunteer with the Mustard Seed, was also out offering warm drinks.
"We try to do what we can," he told CTV News Edmonton. "Whatever we can do to help them out. They tough it out.
"It's not easy," Ken added. "They have nowhere else to go."
'WHY WAIT UNTIL THIS HAPPENS?'
Council approved $7.5 million to open a 200-space shelter in a west-end hotel, but the space won't be ready for around a month as the operator prepares staffing and logistic needs.
The city called on the province to do more. On Thursday, the press secretary for the community and social service minister said 150 more shelter spaces are coming in addition to the 450 beds previously announced in October.
Demand for indoor overnight shelter space spikes on cold nights. The Hope Mission says 800 people stayed in its shelters Wednesday, representing 87 per cent of all available beds in the city. Al Rashid Mosque told CTV News Edmonton that it housed 48 people on Tuesday and 38 the day after.
Ken is disappointed that the city will have to "go through a few deaths" before additional shelter space is available.
"It seems like every year is the same," Ken said. "Plan for it. Why wait until this happens? Why wait until the end of December or January to start bringing them indoors? It's unfortunate."
"My heart just goes out for them," he said. "There's tents everywhere (downtown). They're losing limbs from frostbite, just from the elements."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole
Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.