In 2024, Edmonton’s transit peace officers issued 5,721 trespassing tickets, with 90% of them going to individuals without a fixed address, many of whom are homeless. The tickets, which can cover infractions like fare evasion, public intoxication, and loitering, disproportionately affect the unhoused, especially during winter months. From January to March and in December, nearly 600 trespassing tickets were issued. Of the 10,059 total infractions recorded, 67% of the tickets for those without fixed addresses were for trespassing.
Legal advocates argue that the fines, which can be as high as $600, exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, often pushing them deeper into hardship. Chris Wiebe, a lawyer with the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association, says this over-ticketing is a poor substitute for addressing the root causes of homelessness and substance use. He also highlights that a significant portion of ticket recipients are Indigenous, raising concerns about the disproportionate impact on these communities.
While the City of Edmonton claims that an “NFA” designation on a ticket does not always mean someone is homeless, advocates stress that without adequate housing and shelter options, the city’s reliance on fines worsens the problem. The CTLA is calling for a more equitable fine system and clearer guidelines on ticket issuance.
Read the full story on CBC: