Headlines: Dec. 7, 2023

Dec. 7, 2023 · The Pulse
By Kevin Holowack

Coun. Tim Cartmell said he plans to present a motion on Dec. 12 for a pilot project to test barriers or turnstiles at transit stations. The motion will recommend introducing the change at two LRT stations for two years. Edmonton Police Service Supt. Keith Johnson suggested access control, like turnstiles, is "not the be-all-end-all" but does "limit the ability for people to use a space for illegitimate purposes." Police data shows there have been more than 500 reported cases of violence at LRT stations in Edmonton so far this year, including two high-profile violent attacks at the Coliseum LRT Station in November.
Administration presented council with a plan to save money by giving partial control of the Edmonton Valley Zoo to a non-profit fundraising group called the Valley Zoo Development Society. In January, council asked administration for a range of options to reduce the zoo's reliance on tax funding. Councillors Anne Stevenson and Keren Tang said they still want to see a wider range of solutions. Running the zoo is expected is to cost the city $7 million this year and generate $2.8 million in revenue.
Postmedia obtained three separate disciplinary decisions dated Nov. 3 issuing reprimands or docked pay for Edmonton Police Service constables who admitted to driving drunk while off duty. The decisions involve Const. Dennis Rix and Const. Adam Donnelly, who were both charged under the Traffic Safety Act, and Const. Natasha Green, who pleaded guilty to a criminal charge. Green, who drove drunk down Anthony Henday Drive in May 2022, was given a one-year driving prohibition and a $1,000 fine. She has since undergone treatment and returned to work.
The city is encouraging residents to minimize holiday waste this season. Suggestions include giving experience-based gifts rather than physical gifts, buying from holiday markets rather than ordering online, and using fabric bags or newspaper instead of new wrapping or packaging. Edmontonians are also reminded that some items, including batteries and broken Christmas lights, need to be disposed of safely at Eco Stations. You can use the city's WasteWise App to look up waste items and find sorting instructions.
The SuperTrain project, a residency program offered by SNAP in partnership with the Edmonton Arts Council and Pattison Outdoor Advertising, has come to an end. During the project, artists wrapped LRT cars with their designs, which all explored the theme of environmental stewardship. Local artists Helen Gerritzen and Kyla Fischer unveiled their design this month, Michelle Campos Castillo and Roger Garcia unveiled their design in September, and Ambrose Cardinal unveiled her design in May.
The Style Experience FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup is happening at Commonwealth Stadium on Dec. 9 for the second consecutive year in Edmonton. Preparation took more than 350 hours over 40 days, with 116 truck loads of snow brought in so far. Gates open at 1pm, and anyone attending the event is encouraged to arrive early. Parking on streets around the stadium will be restricted, but free park-and-ride will be available at various locations.
The Edmonton Elks have signed American wide receivers Danny Davis III and Jerminic Smith. Davis spent 2017-2021 at the University of Wisconsin, where he totalled 131 receptions for 1,642 yards and 14 touchdowns in 51 games. Smith is returning to the CFL after spending two seasons playing for the Frisco Fighters in the Indoor Football League, recording 143 receptions for 1,813 yards and 33 touchdowns over 31 career games.