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Tent City On Its Way Out Of Edmonton

Posted by: Nate Berg

17 August 2007 - 6:00am

The homeless population of a government-sanctioned tent city has slowly dwindled to less than half its original size as officials in the Canadian city of Edmonton move forward with plans to close the impromptu squatter settlement.

"Edmonton's tent city is slowly shrinking as the province makes good on a promise to clear out homeless people camping out on downtown Crown land."

"At one point, tent city had about 200 residents, but at last count only 97 remained."

"Tent city sprung up in June near the non-profit Bissell Centre in the city's downtown. Gangs and prostitution became a problem as the population mushroomed due to rising rents and a low vacancy rate in Edmonton."

"Earlier this month, the province announced plans to build a chain-link fence around the campsite, add 24-hour security and give campers identification bracelets. At the time, a spokesman for the province said the camp would eventually be closed, but he couldn't say when."

Full Story: Half of homeless camping downtown pack up tents
Source: CBC, August 16, 2007
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No matter how one wanted to organize the ideal city, housing security would be part of it. No community can function effectively if large numbers of its residents are regularly displaced or perpetually at risk of being displaced.
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