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The Calgary Police Service (CPS) have discovered an underground encampment in southeast Calgary.
The encampment was found early in September when police was conducting standard patrol. According to a CPS news release, “Members of the Calgary Police Service District 1 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) located an underground encampment site in the wooded area near the 3200 block of 25 Avenue S.E., approaching Spiller Road S.E.”
“Officers observed the encampment entrance located on a steep, brush-covered slope, with what appeared to be a human-made tunnel dug into the ground with an established, fully functioning shelter structure inside. The structure was approximately 6’ in height, spanning approximately 10’ by 7’ in diameter.”
Inside, police found a homemade taser on the ground. There was no one inside the encampment or nearby when it was initially discovered and in the weeks that followed, says CPS. Hence, no one has been charged or arrested.
Police say they notified key partners agencies including the Emergency Management and Community Safety (EMCS), Calgary Fire Department Technical Rescue Team (CFD), Parks and Open Spaces and Infrastructure Services, and an extensive assessment of the property was conducted.
“Public safety for all Calgarians is our priority. This was an incredibly elaborate underground structure that was highly dangerous, not only for those inhabiting it, but for the surrounding community”, says CPS’s District 1 CERT Sergeant, Kristian Thorpe.
“While this particular type of underground structure is not a recurring issue in Calgary, The City remains committed to addressing all unsafe sites where a camp has been placed in coordination with our partners, ensuring the safety of the individuals residing there and in the interest of public safety.”
On Sept. 23, members of the EMCS conducted a thorough search to remove debris outside of the entrance. Then, on Sept. 26, the CFD conducted a final check to locate anyone inside the encampment and the area was excavated in a three-day process.
“Camping on public land is against The City’s bylaws. However, when approaching sites where individuals are experiencing homelessness, we balance compassion with their safety and the safety of the community”, says Community Standards Inspector Sue Wall.
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