Edmonton Police Uncover Hidden Encampment With Generators, Solar Panels, Home Appliances

Police tape in a file photo. Scott Olson/Getty Images

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has uncovered an elaborate encampment that includes several generators, a fireplace, and a working washing machine and fridge.

Police posted a video that showed off elements of the encampment in an Oct. 28 post on the X platform. The encampment was found among trees near a dog park close to Fulton Creek and 34th Street, police said in the video.

“It was almost completely camouflaged and included four multi-level structures surrounded by a fence made of trees and broken branches,” EPS said.

Structures were built without nails or property support and could have collapsed, the post said.

“That is definitely not secure. As you can see, there’s no nails, there’s no rope or anything,” EPS Constable Brett Earley said in the video. “One bad gust of wind, one bad weather night, and that thing could come down and crush whoever’s inside.”

EPS said they found four power generators at the site, two of which had been buried underground.

The encampment was set up to pump water into the site and had a working sink, laundry machine, and fridge.

The video also shows a makeshift fireplace and chimney. Flooring had been installed as well.

“They brought in stone tiles. The flooring is not something I had seen before at one of these encampments. It was all installed, almost marble flooring,” Earley said.

Police also found solar panels that were supplying electricity to the camp and “powering a chop shop for stolen bikes.”

Weapons were also found at the encampment, including three guns, shotgun shells, knives, and machetes, EPS said.

About $8,000 in stolen goods were recovered. Police said they were able to return some of the items, including one mountain bike and two backpack blowers.

“There’s not a lot of access to food, grocery stores, anything like that out here. I think that just goes to show how widespread that this, these encampment issues are becoming for the downtown core,” said Earley.

Five people were found inside, according to EPS, and one man said he had been living there since last winter.

EPS said the encampment caused “significant” environmental damage to trees and root systems in the area. The nearby creek was also dammed in several places so running water could be directed to the encampment.

Police have dismantled the site and offered support services to those living there, but the individuals refused, EPS said.

In connection to the encampment, police issued 20 violation tickets and executed 10 warrants.