Signs of tension: Tent removal warnings in Edmonton's Chinatown worry some advocates

They're official-looking, they're numerous, and they're not enforceable — for the most part.

More than 40 signs stating "Tents and tarps will be removed" have been affixed to the side of Edmonton's Hope Mission and other properties along 106th Avenue, as well as side streets and alleyways near the western edge of Chinatown. 

Many hang from fencing surrounding vacant lots. 

Outreach groups that work with local vulnerable people said they're disturbed by the signs, and said it's caused worry for people who are living in tents and tarps on city streets.

But the organization behind the signs says the intention is to clean up a particular stretch of sidewalk that they say has become clogged with tents and waste, and is part of an overall strategy to revitalize Edmonton's Chinatown.

"This is about safety and health," said Stephen Hammerschmidt, director of economic recovery with the Chinatown and Area Business Improvement Association (BIA).

Hammerschmidt said his organization posted the signs in May to warn people to move elsewhere because of a new program where workers will power wash that section of sidewalk.

He said prior to the signs being posted, there were 30 to 40 tents set up in the 106th Avenue area, and that many other people were hanging around, choking off access to the sidewalk.

He said it put nearby businesses in a difficult position, and that sidewalks were covered with debris and even human waste. 

"It's really just giving more of a fair warning to say, look, if you do come here every two weeks, there's going to be a spray washing, that I guarantee you, for the entire summer," he said. 

Hammerschmidt said police officers are on hand during the cleaning in case someone doesn't want to move, but so far, everyone has voluntarily left.

But neither Edmonton police officers nor city peace officers will move people or tents based solely on the signs, according to the Edmonton Police Service and the city. EPS spokesperson Cheryl Sheppard said officers have been attending sidewalk cleaning days at the BIA and Hope Mission's request. 

"All individuals from the vulnerable community are offered supports from Hope Mission staff and EPS officers," she said.

Hammerschmidt said that the BIA is also keen to help people who are struggling, and that more than 20 people have been hired through a Hope Mission program to work on revitalization projects such as the sidewalk washing.