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'Step up or shut up': Alberta mayor pissed off over lack of assist with homeless

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A central Alberta metropolis has taken one other step to safe warming shelters for weak people residing in tents in an open subject, however its mayor says they want some assist.

As much as 60 individuals have been sleeping in a homeless camp in Wetaskiwin, southeast of Edmonton, since August after town closed its solely in a single day shelter.

The positioning has been described as “worse than a refugee camp.” Well being-service suppliers have recognized quite a few dangers, together with insufficient sources of heat, shelter, meals and security.

At a particular metropolis council assembly Friday, an extra $35,000 was permitted on high of $150,000 in federal grants to pay for emergency warming trailers till the tip of March 2022.

Paul Edginton, normal supervisor of group and protecting companies, mentioned town can be working with a proposed shelter operator, which is in talks with the federal government of Alberta.

“At this time limit, they’re ready to come back to city,” he mentioned. “They’re ramping up. They’re doing all the pieces on their finish to be prepared to come back on Nov. 29, first week of December.

“Operational funding wants to come back via earlier than we may open the trailers.” 

‘I am extraordinarily, extraordinarily pissed off’

Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam mentioned he’ll attempt to discover funding, however added that the province must step up.

“I do not suppose that the weak inhabitants can wait. You hear crickets when it comes time to really put pen to paper and safe funding. So step up or shut up. I am finished,” he mentioned Friday.

“I am extraordinarily, extraordinarily pissed off and disenchanted within the lack of assist from different businesses.”

Edginton mentioned the probabilities of the proposed shelter operator not coming to Wetaskiwin are low, however he famous there could possibly be different metropolis prices — together with fencing, elevated safety and insurance coverage for the trailers.

Alberta Well being Companies has a brief contract with a neighborhood non-profit to make sure there’s entry to ingesting water, meals and firewood for the homeless on the camp till a shelter area is secured.

The partnership can even assist transportation to medical appointments.

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