City teams collaborate to safely dismantle high-risk encampment in Lethbridge’s River Valley

A high-risk encampment in Lethbridge’s River Valley was safely dismantled recently, thanks to a coordinated inter-agency effort involving several City departments. 

The City’s Encampment Response Team and Outreach Support partnered with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) to conduct aerial scouting using the Fire Prevention team’s unmanned aerial vehicle. They quickly scanned difficult-to-access river valley areas to identify encampment sites and assess potential hazards. This allowed teams to plan access routes and evaluate possible risks in advance.

They identified one extensive site located far from any paths or roadways. Under the City's Encampment Strategy, the site was classified as a Tier 3 encampment, indicating high concern due to safety, environmental and structural risks. 

The cleanup operation involved LFES’ Water Rescue team, which used its jetboat to reach the site and extract materials. More than 1,000 kilograms of debris—including a cast iron stove, propane tanks and open flame devices—was safely removed. 

“This is a strong example of what’s possible when we align our internal expertise and work collaboratively across departments,” says Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development. 

Throughout the process, outreach support staff remained actively involved, ready to offer services to individuals impacted by the cleanup. This included engagement before and during the operation, helping to ensure public safety efforts were delivered with compassion and dignity. 

“This kind of coordinated response is essential to managing fire risk in Lethbridge’s natural areas,” says Greg Adair, LFES Chief of Fire and EMS. “By combining our tools and expertise with the outreach team’s knowledge and engagement, we can protect people and prevent fires before they start.”

The City’s Encampment Response Team works closely with Lethbridge Police Service (LPS), LFES and community partners to identify and respond to encampments that pose a risk to individuals and the broader community. This integrated approach supports safety, environmental stewardship and coordinated care for vulnerable residents. 

“Public safety is served when our teams work together and leverage all available resources to meet the needs of our residents,” says LPS Deputy Chief Gerald Grobmeier. 

For more information about the City’s Encampment Strategy, visit Lethbridge.ca/encampment

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