Detainee releases raise concerns over Chinatown being used as a ‘dumping ground’
Security footage, obtained by Global News, is raising concerns as to why detainees being released from custody are being dropped off at all hours in Edmonton's Chinatown area.
People living and working in Edmonton’s Chinatown are expressing concern over the release of individuals leaving correctional custody into the inner city neighbourhood. Surveillance video footage shows multiple individuals exiting corrections transport vans in various locations across the area north of downtown, where social services and homeless supports are concentrated.
Kathryn Luu, interim executive director of the Chinatown Business Association, shared security footage showing a white corrections transport van stopping near Kim Fat Market on a Friday night. Several people left the van and walked onto the street, prompting Luu to approach the corrections officer, who refused to engage and drove off without explanation.
Luu questioned why the releases were happening late at night when services were closed, suggesting a better system for handovers to service providers such as Hope Mission or the King Thunderbird Centre.
The incident near Kim Fat Market is not isolated. Karl Miu with Yorkton Equity Group reported another correctional van release the following morning in a private parking lot near Pacific Mall. Miu expressed shock at witnessing the release and emphasized that Chinatown should not become a dumping ground for these individuals.
Sandy Pon, co-chair of the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Society, highlighted the frustration this situation has created. She questioned what owners of buildings in the area would do for released individuals, especially when everything is shut down at night. Pon emphasized the need for better coordination between corrections and service providers to ensure proper support for those leaving custody.
The Alberta government stated that they have met with Chinatown representatives and have procedures in place to create transition plans for individuals being released from custody. However, community leaders remain concerned about the lack of a clear path to support for those dropped off without resources.
Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
