'Elaborate encampment' with solar panels and mini-power grid dismantled by Edmonton police

Edmonton police have dismantled one of the "most elaborate homeless encampments" they've ever seen.

Last week, Edmonton City Hall and the city's police came across a secret camp that was almost completely camouflaged. The camp consisted of four multi-story structures surrounded by a fence of broken trees and branches.

This camp, which was built near Falton Creek and 34th Street, had no safety support and was in danger of collapsing. "A strong gust of wind or a bad night of weather could have brought this structure down and unfortunately crushed those who were there," said police officer Brett Earley in a video posted on social media.

Park rangers and police found lit stoves, stone fireplaces, stone floors, a working refrigerator and washing machine, and electrical cords hanging haphazardly at the camp. Earley added: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed. This camp was truly unique and in my experience with the camps team, I have never seen anything so sophisticated."

Electrical equipment at the camp was powered by four underground generators and solar panels, police said, and a bicycle repair shop was also set up there.

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