Advocacy coalition says more protections needed for vulnerable Edmontonians this winter

Ten advocacy groups in Edmonton are urging increased protections for the city’s vulnerable populations as winter approaches, citing a 47% rise in the unhoused or those in unstable housing since January. The coalition, which includes organizations like Tawâw Outreach Collective and Homeward Trust, expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of unhoused individuals, especially as colder temperatures can exacerbate health issues.

While Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon downplayed the rise, attributing it to better data collection and service awareness, advocates argue that rising rent and food costs, combined with insufficient affordable housing, are critical factors. They emphasize that eviction-focused responses to encampments have led to further harm, pushing individuals into hidden, more dangerous spaces.

The coalition’s demands include increased outreach funding, rent controls, and adjustments to the city’s Extreme Weather Policy, advocating for activation at -10°C instead of -20°C. While the city acknowledged the need for support and stated that encampment evictions would continue to direct individuals to shelters, no immediate changes to the cold response policy will be made this winter. The province maintains it has provided substantial funding to address homelessness.