Underground encampment discovered in S.E. Calgary wooded area
Police discovered an elaborate underground encampment in southeast Calgary earlier this month.
In early September, members of the Calgary Police Service's community engagement response team (CERT) found the encampment site in a wooded area near the 3200 block of 25 Avenue S.E., approaching Spiller Road.
Officers found the encampment entrance – a human-made tunnel dug into the ground – on a steep brush-covered slope.
Inside, police found a "fully-functioning shelter structure," approximately six feet in height and approximately 10 feet by seven feet in diameter.
A homemade conducted energy weapon was also found lying on the ground inside the shelter.
No one was inside the shelter, or in the nearby area, during the initial discovery or in the weeks since. No one is in custody and no one has been charged.
“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,” said Sgt. Kristian Thorpe with Calgary Police Service District 1 CERT.
“We continue to lead with compassion and help connect those who are facing homelessness with resources and supports. We thank all of our city partners for their assistance.”
Police say encampments are removed if there is evidence of imminent health and safety risk.
On Sept. 23, a thorough search of the site was conducted by members of the Emergency Management and Community Safety team to remove debris outside the entrance.
Then, on Sept. 26, the fire department conducted one final check to make sure no one was inside, and the area was excavated. The process took three days.
“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," said Community Standards Inspector Sue Wall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most Canadians support expansion of Old Age Security benefits: Nanos survey
Most Canadians support boosting Old Age Security (OAS) benefits by 10 per cent for seniors aged 65 to 74, according to a new Nanos Research poll conducted for CTV News.
'You were innocent': Judge acquits Manitoba man 50 years after murder conviction
A Manitoba man convicted of murder 50 years ago has been acquitted. Clarence Woodhouse was found guilty in 1974 of fatally beating and stabbing a restaurant worker in downtown Winnipeg.
Health official confirms death of Ontario child following rabies diagnosis
A health official has confirmed a child in Ontario has died after they came in contact with a rabid bat.
Melania Trump says she supports abortion rights, putting her at odds with the GOP
Melania Trump revealed her support for abortion rights Thursday ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir, exposing a stark contrast with her husband, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on the crucial election issue.
Will a new framework for autism spectrum disorder make a difference in Canada?
A new federal framework for autism spectrum disorder is a promising step, but more needs to be done to improve access to care, an advocate suggests.
Breast cancer patient says she had to lie to get a mammogram in Ontario
When an Ontario doctor refused to sign off on a mammogram for 38-year-old Sidra Lone, the mother of four says she was left with no choice but to lie.
Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach facing new charges
More sexual assault charges have been filed against billionaire Frank Stronach with the Canadian businessman now facing a total of 18 charges.
6 migrants shot dead near Guatemalan border when Mexican army troops open fire
Mexican army troops opened fire on a truck carrying migrants from a half dozen countries, and six migrants from Egypt, Peru and El Salvador died in an event that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described Thursday as 'deplorable.'
Ontario family devastated after losing thousands to online flight ticket scam
An Ontario family was planning a religious trip to Saudi Arabia that included 10 people, but when they were checking in for their flights, the family discovered some of their tickets were fake.