Tent city to fold next month

The Alberta government will shut down Edmonton's tent city on Sept. 15.

Shelter space is available for all of the people now camping on Crown land downtown, said Housing Minister Ray Danyluk in a press release Monday.

"It may not be perfect, but campers will have access to hot meals and a warm and safe place to sleep," he said.

ButEdmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel said puttingthe tent dwellers into shelters isn't a solution.

"My feeling is you don't necessarily solve the problem by having a mat. You have to deal with what is the problem and the solution is to try and find some transitional housing and retraining for people."

Tent city sprung upin June near the non-profit Bissell Centre in the city's downtown.

Gangs and prostitution became a problem as the population mushroomed. In response, the province built a chain-link fence around the campsite, added 24-hour security and gave campers identification bracelets.

Officials have been working with the City of Edmonton, Capital Health and inner city agencies to find shelter forthose still camping out.

At one point, tent city had about 200 residents, but a spokeswoman for the province said only 80remain. Most left on their own,but29 people are recorded as having foundnew places to live, either in apartments, rooming houses or shelters.