Homeless encampment in Calgary alley causing concerns for neighbours, nearby businesses
A growing homeless encampment in southeast Calgary is sparking concern among area residents and local business owners.
The encampment sits in an alley behind a strip mall in the 3900 block of 17 Avenue S.E., in the community of Forest Lawn.
Neighbours say the encampment – which first became visible in late July – is host to many visitors every night and has been the site of multiple disturbances.
"I've had people try to sneak in (to my building), especially when it's raining or on the cooler nights," said area resident Kristina Quinn. "I've had to deal with many fights in the back alleys and complaints from other tenants."
Another area resident, Alicia Mayers, says she's worried about the safety of those who live in nearby apartment buildings.
"There's children, there's animals and elderly people. Our parking is in the back, right across from (the encampment) and no one wants to take out their garbage."
While visiting the area on Wednesday, CTV News saw at least ten people filter in and out of the encampment.
An employee of a convenience store that backs onto the alley was too afraid to appear on camera, but says the store is losing customers because of the insistent traffic.
Neighbours say their kids carry a similar fear.
"My daughter is scared of them," Quinn said. "She doesn't want to go out in the front yard alone."
Quinn is one of three nearby neighbours who say they've called bylaw officers multiple times to complain.
"They keep on saying they're going to come out," Mayers said. "But no one is going anywhere."
"I do feel for them," Quinn added. "But unfortunately, they're just causing a lot of issues and the people around here don't deserve that."
Area residents are growing more and more concerned about an encampment in Forest Lawn. CTV News reached out to the City of Calgary in regards to the encampment and the complaints filed with bylaw.
We didn't receive a response by the time of publishing, but will update this article if and when a response is received.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.