COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake has dismantled an illegal encampment, which resulted in multiple fines and one arrest being made, along with over 2,000 kilograms of waste being removed from the site.
On Feb. 26 Cold Lake Municipal Enforcement, in coordination with the RCMP and City staff, dismantled and cleaned up what is described as a large encampment in Cold Lake South. The encampment was located on public property.
Community Peace Officers, five RCMP officers, and City bylaw officials attended the site, ensuring a peaceful evacuation, according to information from the City of Cold Lake. The cleanup effort, which included assistance from contractors, removed 2,010 kilograms of waste.
Four individuals found at the site were issued fines for causing a nuisance and trespassing, while one individual was arrested due to outstanding warrants, according to the City of Cold Lake.
Cst. Cory Riggs, Public Information Officer for Alberta RCMP, explained the RCMP’s role in supporting municipal enforcement, when contacted by Lakeland This Week.
Riggs explained that when an illegal encampment is identified, RCMP plays a supporting role while municipal enforcement typically takes the lead.
He said officers prioritize maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of encampment occupants, municipal workers, and the public. If criminal activity arises during the process, officers take appropriate action.
Riggs highlighted the importance of facilitating a respectful process, with officers striving to balance enforcement with an awareness of individuals’ circumstances.
“Every situation is different, and officers strive to approach each case with dignity and empathy while fulfilling their role in maintaining public order,” he said.
Riggs acknowledged that homelessness is a complex issue with multiple challenges, including balancing enforcement with compassion, ensuring hazardous conditions at encampments do not pose risks, and working to build trust with individuals who may be hesitant to engage with law enforcement.
“While the RCMP’s primary role is law enforcement, officers frequently work alongside outreach and social agencies to assist people in encampments by providing information on available services such as emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and mental health supports,” Riggs said.
“The RCMP understands that enforcement alone does not solve homelessness. Whenever possible, we support efforts to connect people with services that can provide lasting help.”
Riggs also emphasized that not all encampments lead to an increase in crime, though some may be associated with property crime, substance use risks, and conflicts among residents or with the public.
“The RCMP approaches encampments with a focus on safety, respect and community collaboration. Officers are not there to punish people for being homeless but rather to ensure that laws are followed while working with partners to find humane solutions. Homelessness is a complex social issue and not just a law enforcement matter,” Riggs said.
56 incidents
The City of Cold Lake says it is committed to addressing urban encampments. Municipal Enforcement and Fire-Rescue services have been increasingly responding to issues, with Fire-Rescue alone being called to 56 urban camping incidents so far in 2025.
Cold Lake and District FCSS and the Cold Lake John Howard Society continue working to connect those in need with available shelter and support services, though some of these services are currently located in other communities, according to the City of Cold Lake.
