Calgary Confronts Rising Homelessness with Multi-Faceted Strategy
The Homelessness Crisis: A widespread sense of heartbreak continues to resonate across Calgary as the city grapples with the growing visibility of homelessness and complex encampments. Community concern runs deep, highlighting the urgent need for long-term, effective solutions that address the human cost of our affordability crisis.
The scale of the challenge is stark. The last official count (October 2023) reported 2,782 individuals experiencing homelessness, and shelter use has only surged dramatically since then due to the city’s rapid population growth and skyrocketing rental costs. This is not just a downtown issue; it’s a crisis affecting communities across the city.
Balancing Enforcement and Compassion
The City of Calgary’s official approach is guided by a housing-first strategy outlined in the "Home is Here" plan, emphasizing prevention and permanent supports. However, the visible crisis requires constant intervention. While city bylaws prohibit unauthorized structures on public land, leading to thousands of service calls annually, enforcement is strictly paired with outreach. Bylaw Services coordinates remediation efforts with the Coordinated Outreach and Response (CORE) Team. This team prioritizes connecting individuals in encampments with essential outreach workers, shelter beds, housing support, and addiction services before sites are cleared.
The Intergovernmental Gap
The visibility of this crisis has made public safety and disorder a top priority for the new municipal leadership. However, the largest barrier to resolution remains the funding gap. While the city commits capital to housing, critical addiction and mental health services—the root causes driving the visible crisis—are the responsibility of the provincial government. Calgary remains committed to addressing this complex social issue with both compassion and a commitment to public safety, but true resolution requires sustained, coordinated commitment from both City Hall and the Legislature.
