Temporary structures have been torn down on a plot of land adjacent to the railway tracks on the west side of the Lac La Biche hamlet known as 'Tent City'.
On Thursday morning, community peace officers, the landowner and a construction company were on the site that has seen the establishment of several tents and shacks used by homeless and transient people over the last three years. In recent months, several fires at adjacent properties and increased complaints from neighbouring businesses have drawn attention to the area.
Earth-moving equipment including a large track-hoe were used to flatten the site and clear up garbage and debris.
According to Lac La Biche County's Enforcement Services manager Chris Clark, the "clean up measures" were made after several notices were given to the landowner, and people who frequented the location were told to find other accommodations.
While no formal municipal assistance plan has been identified, Clark said people were compliant with leaving the site, and had been cautioned a number of times previously by municipal staff.
"We have encouraged them to find accommodations with family," he said, adding that at the time of the cleanup, the camp had been deserted. "There are no measures in place to re-locate anyone, and no one was in the area at the time of the clean-up."
On the move?
When asked if the people using the Tent City would just move to another location, Clark said it was possible. He encouraged the public to let municipal officials know if they see it happening in their neighbourhoods.
"We encourage the public to contact our complaint line and our officers will attend. We then work with the landowner to determine a process of having people leave the area and serving of trespassing notices to persons who are occupying the land," he said. "We can then also assist the landowner with keeping the peace as they clean up and remove waste from the property."
In the case of the recent work, municipal officials say that after several notices, the landowner — who is not a full-time resident of the community — agreed to the cleanup.
"The landowner was responsible for all costs of the cleanup," said Clark.
Shelter needs
Lakeland This Week did reach out to officials with the Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter, a not-for-profit that provides shelter and food for some of the Lac La Biche area's less-fortunate, but a response was not received by print deadlines.
The shelter's social media page highlights recent cash donations making it possible for staff to buy 12 sets of winter jackets and snow pants the shelter's 12 regular clients. Officials are saying however, that donations of winter jackets, boots, gloves and pants continue to be in need as "there are a lot more men and women out there that don’t come regularly to our shelter."
