This photo shows homeless people in Prince Albert, Sask. It is used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the situation in Lloydminster. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

point-in-time counts

Lloydminster plans new homeless count after identifying 246 people in 2024

Sep 10, 2026 | 12:21 PM

Lloydminster will conduct another homelessness count on Oct. 21, nearly two years after its previous snapshot identified approximately 246 people experiencing homelessness, including 62 who were unsheltered.

The 2026 point-in-time homeless count will run from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Lloydminster is one of a small number of rural communities selected to participate in the federally coordinated enumeration taking place across Canada.

A point-in-time count uses surveys to gather information about people’s experiences with homelessness and enumeration to determine how many people are staying in specific locations.

This year’s count will include people in emergency shelters and transitional housing, as well as those in health and correctional facilities. It will also cover unsheltered locations such as encampments, abandoned buildings, alleys and streets.

“The City has engaged with local organizations and groups to share information about the upcoming count and support participation.”

point-in-time counts

Lloydminster plans new homeless count after identifying 246 people in 2024

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The previous count, conducted with local service providers on Oct. 23, 2024, captured a range of living situations.

Of the approximately 246 people identified, 76 were in transitional living arrangements, including programs operated by Residents in Recovery and Catholic Social Services.

Another 62 were unsheltered, including people staying in vehicles or encampments, while 41 were in men’s and women’s emergency shelters. A total of 28 people were couch surfing.

The count also identified 13 people in public systems, eight staying in self-funded hotels or motels and one person in an RCMP holding cell. The locations of 17 others were listed as uncertain.

The survey findings indicated that many of those experiencing homelessness wanted more permanent accommodation. Ninety-one per cent of surveyed participants said they wanted to transition into permanent housing.

Low income was identified as a housing barrier by 46 per cent of participants, while 42 per cent cited high rent. Sixty-nine per cent had lived in Lloydminster for at least one year before the count.

“Information collected through the PiT Count will help provide a clearer picture of homelessness in Lloydminster and inform future planning and responses to community needs.”

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Lloydminster plans new homeless count after identifying 246 people in 2024

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