In something out of a strange survival movie, Calgary police confirmed they recently came upon and underground encampment in a wooded area in Calgary.
According to Calgary Police Service (CPS), members of the Calgary Police Service District 1 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) were conducting a routine patrol in September on the 3200 block of 25 Avenue S.E., approaching Spiller Road S.E., when they located the underground structure.
Officers observed the encampment entrance located on a steep, brush-covered slope, with what appeared to be a human-made tunnel dug into the ground with an established, fully functioning shelter structure inside. The structure was approximately 6’ in height, spanning approximately 10’ by 7’ in diameter.
Police located a homemade taser inside of the encampment which was laying on the ground.
There was no one found inside or in the nearby area during the initial discovery or in the weeks that followed. No individuals are in custody, and no one has been charged.
Police immediately notified key partner agencies including the Emergency Management and Community Safety (EMCS), Calgary Fire Department Technical Rescue Team (CFD), Parks and Open Spaces and Infrastructure Services, and an extensive assessment of the property was conducted.
On Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, before a planned excavation of the underground site occurred, the EMCS Vulnerable Persons Team conducted a thorough search of the site to remove debris outside of the entrance.
And then on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., after the Calgary Fire Department conducted a final check to locate anyone inside of the encampment, approval was given for removal and crews began excavating the area, a process that lasted three days.
“While this particular type of underground structure is not a recurring issue in Calgary," said Calgary Police Service District 1 Community Engagement Response Team Sergeant, Kristian Thorpe in a statement released to the public, "the City remains committed to addressing all unsafe sites where a camp has been placed in coordination with our partners, ensuring the safety of the individuals residing there and in the interest of public safety.”
"When approaching sites where individuals are experiencing homelessness, we balance compassion with their safety and the safety of the community," added Calgary's Community Standards Inspector Sue Wall. "Our teams work with community partners like the Drop-In Centre and Alpha House to provide services to individuals who are in need, and work to establish relationships and connect them to a variety of social supports and offers of help, if they are willing."