‘We’re hearing the concerns’: Leduc RCMP and the city team up to address encampments

Leduc RCMP say a recent one-day project targeted crime while connecting vulnerable people with supports like housing, mental health and addictions services.

Police officers and City of Leduc outreach staff recently teamed up for an evening blitz targeting the community’s houseless population.

At a news conference Monday morning, RCMP said about 30 people spent Friday Oct. 10 patrolling streets, parks and other public spaces to connect with vulnerable individuals.

The officer in charge of the Leduc RCMP detachment said six warrants were issued, five people were arrested, seven people accepted follow up services and numerous tickets and warnings were handed out.

Three illegal encampments were also dismantled and six “life safety supply packages” were provided.

“The goal of Project Street Light is to address community concerns while working alongside partner agencies to connect vulnerable individuals with supports such as housing, addictions and mental health services,” said Insp. Kiel Samotej.

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Samotej said the group gave out more than 20 positive tickets recognizing “good behaviour” as well.

He described the initiative as a blend of proactive policing and compassionate intervention rooted in trust, shared priorities and practical action.

“We’ve seen some great success with the project so moving forward, we hope to have this as a regular staple in our policing service,” Samotej said.

The entire community must help with homelessness: Leduc mayor

Leduc’s new mayor said the city must come together to adequately address the issue of homelessness.

“It’s going to take the whole community, right? Enforcement, the City of Leduc, not-for-profits, to find a successful outcome,” Lars Hansen said.

Leduc Hub, the city’s only emergency shelter, shut down last year after its lease ran out and it was unable to secure a new location.

A couple months later, city councillors rescinded a decision to approve a winter shelter, ultimately deciding it was too costly for the limited days it would be needed.

“We have a new council, there’s no doors that are closed,” said Hansen.

“Of course, we’ve had some discussions with the Hub and we’ll continue to have discussions with the Hub to find positive outcomes for our shared residents.”

According to its website, the Hub now has a “strategic advocacy mandate” aimed at building better collaboration between like-minded social services agencies and all levels of government.

CTV News Edmonton reached out to the agency for comment and we are awaiting a response.