Lethbridge data claims centralized encampments, less public sightings

Council members with the City of Lethbridge were provided with an update into the city’s encampment strategy on Tuesday, which claims reported encampment activity is on the decline from this time last year.

City data claims that the second quarter of this year had significantly less calls relating to encampment reports, debris, needles and biohazards. There have been over 200 less public calls over encampments, and a 72% decrease from the second quarter of 2025. In total, there have been 159 3-1-1 calls in this second quarter, compared to 454 calls during the same time last year.

The City says they have been able to centralize services for vulnerable residents to receive help, resulting in less public visibility. In reference to the current encampment landscape, the report states: “The total number of encampments continues to decrease, consistent with the trend identified in Q1. As previously noted, encampments are becoming fewer but larger and more complex, with higher-risk sites increasingly concentrated in specific areas in close proximity to supporting resources. In contrast, smaller, low-risk encampments are being seen further away from the city centre, highlighting a divergence in both scale and location across the system.”

As a result, there has also been a corresponding decrease in encampments located in low visibility coulee and grassland areas. However, the city is continuing to ask residents to report any sightings by calling 3-1-1, as the current hot temperatures could contribute to high fire risks in the valley.