Encampment removed following joint safety operation in Foothills County

A collaborative safety operation involving the Calgary Police Service (CPS), Okotoks Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Foothills County Peace Officers has resulted in the removal of an encampment located just outside Calgary city limits, following ongoing concerns about violence, property crime and public safety in the surrounding area.

The encampment, situated about one kilometre outside of Calgary on private rural land near 210 Avenue and 64 Street S.W., had generated numerous calls for service between Thursday, Jan. 1 and Sunday, March 1, 2026, including reports of unsafe behaviour, suspicious persons and thefts. RCMP and Foothills County Peace Officers also responded to reports of individuals from the encampment who had chased or struck passing vehicles and, in one case, threatened a road maintenance worker with a knife.

On Monday, March 23, 2026, officers from the CPS District 8 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT), Okotoks RCMP and Foothills County Peace Officers attended the site to address safety concerns and support cleanup efforts. One individual was located within a structure and arrested on outstanding warrants and trespassing offences. Officers offered support services, including transportation to Calgary to access those resources.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, officers returned to ensure the safety of cleanup crews and again located the same individual within the encampment. The individual was arrested for breaching release conditions. Despite multiple attempts by partner clinicians to engage, the individual declined available supports.

During the cleanup, crews removed four trailer loads of debris and items, including makeshift structures and assorted property such as two bicycles and several small household items. Four knives were also seized, and no other weapons were located.

“While we lead with compassion and prioritize connecting people to community resources, public safety remains our priority,” says CPS District 8 Staff Sgt. Graeme Smiley. “Violence and unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are grateful to our partner agencies for their commitment to working together to keep our communities safe.”

Together with our partners, we will continue concentrated efforts to enhance public safety in locations experiencing elevated levels of social disorder, criminal activity and unsafe behaviour. Our goal is to strengthen our city together for a Safer Calgary.

Case #: CA26125481/CA26123900/4788