An encampment on private rural land outside Calgary has been removed after police say it was the source of numerous calls for service, suspicious activity, theft, and more.
The encampment was about one kilometre outside city limits, near 210 Avenue and 64 Street SW.
Calgary Police Service (CPS) officials say calls about the encampment started around Jan. 1.
Area residents had concerns about violence, property crime, and public safety.
In one case, an individual living in the encampment is accused of threatening a road worker with a knife.
On several other occasions, people living in the encampment were reported chasing and striking passing vehicles.
On March 23, officers from the CPS District 8 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT), Okotoks RCMP and Foothills County Peace Officers attended the site to address safety concerns and work to get the area cleaned up.
A person was found inside and arrested on outstanding warrants and for trespassing.
CPS says officers offered support services, including transportation to Calgary to get help.
The next day, officers returning to the area to check in on the clean up crews found the same individual inside the encampment.
The were again arrested for breaching release conditions.
Police say despite multiple attempts by partner clinicians to engage, the individual declined supports.
“While we lead with compassion and prioritize connecting people to community resources, public safety remains our priority,” said CPS District 8 Staff Sgt. Graeme Smiley. “Violence and unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are grateful to our partner agencies for their commitment to working together to keep our communities safe.”
Crews removed four trailer loads of debris and items, including makeshift structures and assorted property, including two bicycles and several small household items. They also seized four knives. No other weapons were found.