CBC — Edmonton homelessness numbers surge toward 5,000, highest since at least 2019

Original source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/homelessness-count-1.7368114 Retrieved: 2026-07-04 By: Taylor Lambert, CBC News. Posted Oct 31, 2024.

• Homeward Trust By Name List: homelessness up by nearly 2,000 in a year, to 4,697 in September [2024] — "the highest recorded since at least 2019."
• "The total count has steadily risen, from 2,757 one year ago to 4,697 last month — more than triple what it was in late 2019, before the pandemic."
• People without any shelter: 1,162 in September, up 426 from 12 months earlier.
• More than half of September respondents identified as Indigenous (that group is ~6% of the capital region's population). Nearly one-fifth were dependent youths; ~16% aged 15 or younger.
• U of A housing expert Damian Collins: "It's hard not to have an emotional reaction, because it speaks to a growing crisis... even a stronger word like calamity might be appropriate."
• Province (Minister Jason Nixon) disputed the numbers, claiming "we continue to hover around 1,700 to 1,800 people."
• "police say the encampment teardowns that provoked controversy earlier this year will continue." Frostbite amputations reached a record high last winter.
• City "declined to comment on the Homeward Trust data," saying it "remains committed to responding with compassion and care" while "keeping public spaces accessible."
• Related CBC headline noted in-page: "Homeless encampment removals have doubled in Edmonton. Critics say the situation is no better."