Leduc, Alberta, city council recently approved a motion to create an overnight emergency shelter for extreme cold weather, addressing the needs of approximately 100 people experiencing homelessness in the city. This decision followed the closure of Leduc’s only homeless shelter in May. Councillor Ryan Pollard proposed the shelter, which will use modular units located behind the Protective Services building, to operate from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. The estimated cost of $308,000 will be covered by the city’s operating reserve fund.
The motion passed with a 4-3 vote. Mayor Bob Young and Councillor Glen Finstad opposed the motion. Young argued that the focus should be on directing people to the province’s new navigation centre in Edmonton rather than creating a new shelter, which he believes merely enables ongoing homelessness without solving it. Finstad agreed, suggesting that the province has the necessary resources and expertise to handle the issue better.
Shannon Dalke, chair of the Leduc Hub Association, criticized the opposition arguments, highlighting the difficulties faced since the Hub’s shelter closure, which was due to zoning issues and the inability to secure funding without a location lease. Dalke expressed concern that the homeless community feels abandoned and stressed the need for immediate solutions.
The Edmonton navigation centre, a $13-million facility that was initially temporary but has become permanent, offers comprehensive support services. However, it primarily serves Edmonton residents and is often operating near capacity. The provincial government is considering developing a rural approach to better address homelessness in smaller communities like Leduc. Pollard emphasized the urgency of the situation, arguing that the new shelter is necessary to provide immediate relief for those most vulnerable during harsh winter conditions.
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