(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Encampments in Nipawin

Report to council outlines encampment issues this summer in Nipawin

Sep 24, 2025 | 4:48 PM

The Town of Nipawin has been dealing with an increasing number of encampments in the community.

The Protective Services Department’s Monthly Report from August was read at this week’s council meeting.

The report, submitted by Bylaw Officer Luc Morin and reviewed by General Manager of Protective Services Paul Cockell, stated the town has seen “a staggering increase in the number of encampments this summer.”

Eight encampments were removed last month in the corner of Nipawin Rd. W. and Gordon St., in a bush west of Gordon Subdivision, in a bush west of Marathon Dr., at Kingsway Alley by the railroad tracks, at a nuisance property on Maple Rd. E., the 600 blk. of 9th Ave. W., in a bush behind Walleye Park, and at 12th Ave. W. behind McDonald’s.

Chief Administrative Officer Michele Sorensen told northeastNOW that bylaw enforcement removes encampments when they are identified.

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She said they can be a public safety concern.

“Encampments located in the forested area are creating fire hazards, especially with the hot, dry weather we had earlier this summer,” Sorensen said.

Most of the encampments have not been located on so-called ‘nuisance properties’, according to Sorensen. She called homelessness a year-round concern and expects the issue to continue despite the cooler weather to come.

“The Nipawin Oasis Center will be opening their emergency warming shelter early in October, so this will hopefully help those most in need.”

Sorensen said the encampment situation has grown over the past couple of years.

The Protective Services report noted that many of the encampments contained sharps, drug paraphernalia, garbage, food, and clothing. A skid-steer was needed to demolish one of the encampment structures, which was built with logs, railroad ties, branches, and tarps. Unbelievably, that structure also had full-length carpet and some furniture despite only being a few weeks old. The bylaw officer and GM of Community Services had just been touring that area shortly before the structure was built.

The report also stated they have had to rouse people camping out under the old bridge after receiving updates from residents. Sorensen said there is always a safety concern surrounding the old bridge and the riverbank.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com