Headlines: Aug. 3, 2023

Aug. 3, 2023 · The Pulse
By Kevin Holowack

Reducing crime requires immediate investment in social services and a reevaluation of how we approach the issue, said Dan Jones, chair of justice studies at NorQuest College. Jones, who is a retired police officer, said the Edmonton Police Service is struggling to retain officers, and their mental health is suffering. "The police services are dealing with the acute and that's all they can deal with right now," Jones told Postmedia. Chief Dale McFee called for more officers this week, citing Statistics Canada's latest crime statistics report, although the total crime severity index in Edmonton dropped 15% between 2018 and 2022.
Repairs to the Talus Dome will begin Aug. 8, said the Edmonton Arts Council. Emergency crews removed one silver ball from the infamous structure in early April after a man became trapped inside. It was revealed after the rescue that the Talus Dome has a maintenance hatch. The council said insurance will cover the repairs.
The Edmonton Female Hockey Alliance, a new organization aiming to create competitive opportunities for women and girls from U7 to U21, introduced its three divisions in front of a Rogers Place audience on Aug. 2. The divisions are Edmonton Ice (elite), Edmonton Storm (community), and Edmonton Flurries (introductory). The association plans to absorb the Edmonton Girls Hockey Association and bring all female minor hockey players in Edmonton under its umbrella within a year. It is also partnering with United Association Local 488, a union for piping professionals, which will provide $60,000 for team uniforms in the fall.
The Edmonton Elks unveiled a new Indigenous logo created by Métis artist Conrad Plews and inspired by a design by student Izaiah Masuskapoe. The Elks will wear the logo on their helmets at the Aug. 10 game against the Winnipeg Bombers, which will feature the national anthem performed in Cree and a halftime performance by Dancing Cree. Plews also owns Black Market Tattoo.
A driver experiencing a medical episode crashed into the parkade wall at the departures entrance at the Edmonton International Airport on the afternoon of Aug. 2, RCMP said. The driver did not need to be hospitalized; the parkade was damaged, but officials said the support structure is OK, and airport operations were unaffected.
Coun. Michael Janz offered a free e-bike ride to Edmonton Sun columnist Lorne Gunter in response to what he called a "really wacky" column criticizing him for advocating for secure storage in a Taproot story on electric bikes.
Premier Danielle Smith's mandate letter to Dan Williams, minister of mental health and addictions, asks him to increase mental health support for youth. It also asks him to work with partners to develop "compassionate intervention legislation" to support facilities and legal processes that "save the lives of those that are a danger to themselves or others." The wording echoes Smith's mandate letter to Justice Minister Mickey Amery. Passing legislation that would allow a family member, police officer, or doctor to pursue a treatment order for someone against their will was among the UCP's campaign promises.