EDMONTON -- The City of Edmonton is updating how it responds to encampments with a focus on providing housing and support to those in need while discouraging the continued presence of homeless camps. "They will move to close down those camps in as short order as we possibly can," said Rob Smyth with the city. The city's plan calls for staff to house individuals before a camp is taken down. “Our shared priority is the safety of both people experiencing homelessness and the surrounding community,” said Smyth. “Encampments are a symptom of a larger problem and the permanent solution to homelessness is safe, adequate and affordable housing with support.”