Headlines: Dec. 11, 2023

Dec. 11, 2023 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Critics are calling for transparency and improved responses to mental health crises from the Edmonton Police Service after two recent fatal police shootings. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) and Edmonton police are investigating the deaths, which happened days apart in the Oliver and Laurel neighbourhoods. The family of a woman killed by police in a Laurel-area apartment during a wellness check said her death resulted from "a complete mishandling of the tools available to law enforcement in the application of dealing with mental health issues." Critics are concerned about the limited information released by law enforcement, as well as the lengthy investigation process that follows a fatal police shooting.
During its budget discussions last month, city council approved additional funding for the Edmonton Public Library to expand the Heritage Valley branch, which has seen high usage since its opening in 2018. The additional $486,000 investment will allow the branch to grow from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet, adding a separate program room, more study and seating spaces, and a larger collection of books and public computers. Construction is expected to begin next year, with the renovated branch opening in 2025. Library services will remain available during renovations.
An outreach worker with the Bear Claw Beaver Hill House group, which works closely with Edmontonians experiencing homelessness, says a province like Alberta shouldn't have so many encampments. The encampments are "a sign of our collective failure as a society," Kathleen Mpulubusi said during an appearance on CBC Radio. Mpulubusi called on the provincial government to provide more resources to help people get off the streets. "We're in one of the richest countries in the world, in one of the richest provinces in Canada ... and people shouldn't have to live this way," she said. Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee said recently that the city needs "a different approach," adding that complaints have grown from about 6,500 to nearly 15,000 in the past two years.
Edmonton recorded 62 drug poisoning deaths in September, 60 of which were from opioids, according to the latest provincial data. The city's opioid poisoning death rate of 66.3 per 100,000 people in September was the second-highest in Alberta, behind Lethbridge. Across the province, there have been 1,411 opioid-related deaths, marking a 25% increase over the same period in 2022. The Alberta government is continuing its focus on recovery-oriented care, with the opening of two out of 11 promised recovery communities and the removal of user fees for publicly funded treatment. The province has also announced plans for compassionate intervention legislation and the My Recovery Plan app, although the app's full rollout has been delayed.
A joint study from researchers at the University of Alberta and the City of Edmonton found that reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in August 2021 led to a 25.1% decrease in collisions and a 31% reduction in injuries and fatalities in Edmonton. The report highlighted that while the lower speed limit improved safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, there were "still areas where drivers did not slow down, indicating the need for further intervention."
The Old Strathcona Business Association is expanding its window repair grant program to include a wider range of vandalism repairs. The association, which began the program with $165,000 from the city, has only given out $15,000 so far because of the initial restriction to front-facing window damage. "Businesses are finding that they're dealing with a lot more than just broken windows," said association executive director Cherie Klassen, who called for an increased police presence and the creation of a street outreach team to address broader public safety concerns affecting local businesses in the area.
Albertans United for the Children of Gaza is holding a donation drive to gather humanitarian aid for children in the Palestinian territory, with a focus on baby supplies, food, and first aid items. Donations will be accepted at a warehouse on Princess Elizabeth Avenue and 102 Street until the end of December, and will be distributed through UNICEF and the Red Crescent Egypt. Former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, who helped organize the drive, said the response has been "tremendous."
The Canada Palestine Cultural Association is using the traditional Palestinian embroidery art form known as tatreez to share and preserve Palestinian culture through a new project called Threads of Diaspora. The art, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, has become a form of resistance and connection for Palestinians, particularly as association members like Manal Kalousa have faced personal losses amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The association is inviting Edmontonians to an open house on Dec. 14 to learn more about tatreez and its significance.
Business Insider included Edmonton in a profile of winter cities and their efforts to battle seasonal depression and loneliness. Edmonton's WinterCity Strategy has helped the city become more enjoyable during winter in recent years. The number of winter patios has increased to about 20, up from a handful in winter 2019-2020, and the city hosts festivals every weekend from November through mid-March.
The Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) says it has 500 animals in its care that need homes, which is more than double the capacity of its facility. Economic pressures, a shortage of vets, and high costs are leading to the increase, said Brenda Leonard with SCARS, adding this has been the worst year the organization has seen in two decades.