City councillor seeks permanent site for people living in RVs in Calgary – Calgary

A Calgary city council is seeking a permanent location to accommodate individuals living in recreational vehicles after a group of RVs were forced to relocate from a northeast industrial park last month.

Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot is set to present a motion at the upcoming Executive Committee meeting to instruct administration to explore “alternative off-street locations” for RV residents.

Chabot’s motion calls for a scoping report to identify the necessary steps to designate and rezone a permanent site, as well as detail public engagement, infrastructure upgrades, safety considerations, and funding options to establish one or more sites for RV dwellers.

“I’m hoping we can identify a site, even if it’s temporary, to offer a place where these individuals can reside with dignity, access to utilities, and in a cost-effective manner,” Chabot told Global News.

The motion also tasks city administration with exploring how to engage an “interested third-party organization” to oversee one or more sites.

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“Obviously, we don’t intend to operate this as a city-run initiative — there should be associated costs,” Chabot added. “It can’t be a free-for-all. There needs to be a cost recovery mechanism.”

“I believe most residents would be willing to contribute around 30% of their income, but many are on fixed, low incomes and can’t afford traditional RV parks,” Chabot continued. “We can’t transition them to housing due to the shortage of affordable housing options. Calgary Housing has extensive waitlists.”

Last month, city crews, along with Calgary Police and tow trucks, removed nine trailers and RVs that had been situated along Moraine Road N.E.

Many of these motorhomes had occupied the location for up to ten years before the situation escalated with the City of Calgary last autumn.

Residents in the area cited Calgary’s high housing costs as the primary reason for residing in their motorhomes.

City officials reported receiving approximately 70 complaints from local businesses and residents regarding access and security issues along the road.

In September, the motorhome residents were issued notices by the city to vacate the street for road improvements in the area.

Despite an extension and temporary parking permits, the motorhomes remained as city administration sought a temporary solution, but the residents refused to leave.

If approved by city council, Chabot’s motion aims to have the scoping report for a permanent motorhome location completed by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

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