During the COVID-19 state of local emergency, the City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services and social agencies established a temporary support facility to respond to the increased needs of Edmonton’s most vulnerable community members. With the end of the local state of emergency, the temporary support facility dissolved leaving vulnerable Edmontonians without services they needed. The City of Edmonton and EPL co-led activities to offer services to these customers at an outdoor setting on Sir Winston Churchill Square.

EPL on the Square was highly collaborative. The City of Edmonton coordinated the logistical operations of the space. EPL coordinated classes and services and liaised with local agencies to offer social support services on-site, including housing, financial empowerment, wellness and mental health.

Our services empowered individuals through literacy, education and connection by offering free reading materials, computer access and daily classes. EPL’s Outreach Team (registered social workers) were on-site to offer social support.

EPL on the Square’s most significant impact was the efforts made to address the digital divide, which widened considerably during the pandemic. EPL provided access to computers and internet in the downtown core, when no other options were available. Between August 5 and September 23, 2020, EPL staff welcomed 1,287 Edmontonians of all ages and socioeconomic status. Public feedback expressed considerable appreciation for the project: “I had to see this for myself. EPL is doing great work here. You are doing great work!”