Headlines: Feb. 28, 2024

Feb. 28, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton is on track to surpass its 2021 record of 626 opioid-related deaths, with 608 deaths recorded as of November 2023, according to the latest provincial data. At a Feb. 26 community and public services committee meeting, councillors reviewed a report highlighting the need for improved mental health and addiction services as opioid poisonings are among the top concerns in hospital emergency departments. The province as a whole has recorded a new high in 2023 of 1,706 opioid-related deaths, surpassing the 2021 record of 1,634.
The Alberta government announced a pause on the South Edmonton Hospital to instead focus on funding the standalone Stollery Children's Hospital project. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said the province intends to increase capacity by more than 200 beds by moving children out of the University of Alberta Hospital, where the Stollery is located. The province didn't say how long it would pause work on the South Edmonton Hospital, which had been previously delayed by the UCP government after its election in 2019. The Opposition NDP criticized the move, arguing that the delay will exacerbate stress on the healthcare system.
The City of Edmonton published an article on its Transforming Edmonton blog examining the city's affordable housing strategy as the homelessness crisis continues. The city invested $133 million between 2019 and 2022 to create more than 2,800 new affordable housing units, including supportive housing, to address the critical lack of options for the nearly one in eight households in core housing need. The city also aims to add 2,700 new or renewed units by 2026.
A fatality inquiry into the death of Timothy James McConnell, who died by suicide in January 2021 at the Edmonton Remand Centre, heard about issues accessing mental health and medical supports in Canada's largest jail. The inquiry heard that the remand centre's mental health services were overwhelmed while McConnell was an inmate and requesting treatment for his addiction. McConnell's family and advocates say his death was preventable and are calling for improved medical and mental health services in Alberta jails. Fatality inquiries do not assign blame, but can make recommendations to prevent similar future deaths.
Firefighters in Edmonton are camping on the roof of Station No. 2 to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The fundraiser began as temperatures in Edmonton dropped significantly. "We're making the best of it, and we're trying our best to keep warm," said firefighter Liam Troy. Firefighters have been holding their rooftop camping fundraiser for more than 20 years, he said. Supporters can donate online.
Edify Edmonton released its 2024 list of the best restaurants in Edmonton and surrounding areas, including its best overall picks. Among those highlighted were the late-night dim sum restaurant Fu's Repair Shop, Italian eatery Uccellino, Chef Andrew Fung's XIX Nineteen, the farm-focused RGE RD, and Chef Scot Downey's The Butternut Tree.
TransPod is pursuing its plans for a 1,000 km/h train in Alberta by developing a 75-metre-long test bench in Edmonton. This development, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, is a precursor to constructing a full-scale test track. The company says the train would allow travel between Calgary and Edmonton in just 45 minutes, with construction of the full line anticipated to start in 2027.