Violent incidents prompt Calgary police to lay charges, dismantle East Village homeless encampment

Police laid dozens of charges after dismantling a homeless encampment in the East Village on Thursday morning that it says was entrenched with a "criminal element," and resulted in a slew of violence against vulnerable Calgarians. 

The encampment, which was along Dermot Baldwin Way near the Calgary Drop-In Centre, prompted an investigation called Operation East Side by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) that started in December 2021.

Police said the area had become very valuable territory for drug traffickers, and more than 27 violent incidents — including sexual assaults and assaults with weapons including machetes and sledgehammers — occurred since Dec. 1, 2021.

Victims were primarily vulnerable people who were  trying to access the Drop-In Centre, police said, and were often left fearing for their safety. Some suffered injuries described as "life-altering."

"We believe this group uses violence to control drug trafficking in the area," said CPS Insp. Clare Smart.

"The temporary structures have been used to store drugs and a significant number of deadly weapons including machetes, swords, knives, sledgehammers and firearms. 

"All of which have been used against vulnerable members of the public simply trying to access the Calgary Drop-In Centre."

Operation East Side

Smart said since December, police increased proactive patrols in the area, along with outreach by several social service agencies. 

But despite these efforts, Smart said the violence continued. And during Operation East Side, CPS obtained search warrants that allowed investigators to search individual tents along Dermott Baldwin Way.

"These search warrants were sought after serious attacks causing injuries occurred on individuals who are trying to access services," Smart said.

"In addition to several assault with weapons, a minor was repeatedly sexually assaulted in one of those tents."

The Calgary Fire Department helped remove items of concern like needles, hazardous materials and heating hazards so city crews could remove remaining debris.

A total of 28 weapons were seized by police, along with along with 20 grams of fentanyl and 20 grams of methamphetamine.

Twelve suspects were also arrested, and are facing a total of 71 criminal charges in addition to 84 outstanding warrants.

More charges are expected to follow, Smart said.

However, she said that the investigation revealed that offenders "often returned to Dermot Baldwin Way … once they're released from the custody, and resume their activity."

The goal, police said, is to keep Dermot Baldwin Way clear of any tents moving forward.

"The area outside the Drop-In must remain clear to ensure that people who need critical supports feel safe and welcome to access them," said Ryan Pleckaitis, chief bylaw officer for The City of Calgary.

"For that reason, we will continue to monitor this site to ensure encampments don't reoccur in this space."

Social supports

Meanwhile, different agencies are working with some of the homeless individuals who were not part of the criminal element to help them find proper housing.

"As always, our partner agency liaison teams will be out regularly meeting with individuals sleeping rough and offering support and safer indoor options," Pleckaitis said.

Those living in the tents were connected to social supports that provided offers for indoor shelter and storage for belongings, police said.

As the tents were removed, police said partner agencies were on site to make sure personal belongings were allowed to be removed safely.

"We are committed to providing access to safe shelter, health, and housing programs for those that seek our services," said Sandra Clarkson, the Drop-In Centre's executive director.