The City of Cold Lake continues to search for, locate, and remove illegal camps as the sites pose a significant public safety risk.

On Wednesday, July 29, Cold Lake Municipal Enforcement along with the Cold Lake RCMP attended three sites where individuals had established illegal encampments and shelters. One of the occupants located at the site was arrested for outstanding warrants where others had weapons, including knives, cleavers, and hatchets seized from them. Seven trespassing charges and three mischief charges were also laid. 

All occupants were allowed to leave with personal possessions before a total of 1,610 kilograms of debris was removed from the sites.

“We are thankful for the continued work of our Municipal Enforcement staff members as well as the RCMP officers who continue to tackle this issue,” Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice said. “These sites represent a significant danger, not only to the public at large, but also to our first responders and the occupants themselves.”

The City of Cold Lake continues to take a proactive approach to the enforcement of illegal camps, vagrancy, and anti-social behaviour. The City of Cold Lake urges residents to immediately report any observed illegal encampments, as these unauthorized sites are strictly prohibited throughout the community.