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Headlines: Aug. 26, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • Some microbiologists warn that the Borden Natural Swimming Pool filtration system is under strain due to high swimmer volumes. While the City of Edmonton says the pool's water quality is safe, experts suggest the City should enforce stricter daily testing to manage microbial growth and contamination risks, especially during peak use and high temperatures. The pool, which uses natural filtration methods, has faced closures and algae issues, prompting calls for more transparency and updated safety studies.
  • E-scooter injuries in Alberta have surged by 21% over the past year, according to Alberta Health Services data, with significant increases among children and teens. Medical professionals warn that these injuries can be severe, sometimes requiring surgery or intensive care. Authorities and safety advocates urge riders to wear helmets and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate risks, especially as dangerous practices like double-riding with children become more common. While the City of Edmonton recommends riders wear helmets on scooters, they are not mandatory.
  • The 2024 Edmonton International Fringe Festival saw a successful turnout with 127,000 tickets sold, generating $1.3 million in artist payouts. However, organizers say the festival continues to face financial challenges, in part because of increased infrastructure costs and lingering impacts from the pandemic. The festival fell short of its $300,000 fundraising goal and organizers say it may need to scale back future events.
  • Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee wrote an op-ed in Postmedia critical of recent coverage of homeless encampments. McFee argued that the opening of the provincial navigation and support centre in Edmonton early this year has increased the number of people accepting help, from less than 1% to nearly 35% in the first month of operations. He also disputed arguments that clearing encampments caused harm, writing that police interventions have helped people who needed medical attention for issues including frostbite.
  • The Oskayak Police Academy, held from Aug. 12 to 23, brought together Indigenous high school students and Edmonton police officers. The initiative, a collaboration between the Edmonton Police Foundation, Bent Arrow Healing Society, and the Edmonton Native Healing Centre, aims to build trust between Indigenous communities and police. The academy concluded with a graduation ceremony for the 20 student participants.
  • The City of Edmonton and Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations jointly held an event at city hall on Aug. 23 to commemorate Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Alexander First Nation Chief George Arcand Jr. emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration and respect between Edmonton and Indigenous communities.
  • Edmonton woman Zahra Nader is documenting the realities experienced by women and 2SLGBTQ+ people under Taliban rule in Afghanistan through her women-led news outlet Zan Times. Operating from Edmonton, Nader and her team of Afghan journalists are working to bring these stories to light, emphasizing the global impact of the Taliban's actions. "I happen to be a journalist, so that's the tool I have to fight back and resist," Nader told CBC.
  • Lisa Wojna spoke to Postmedia about her concerns with gaps and barriers in mental health and addictions treatment. Her daughter has been experiencing homelessness in Edmonton as she struggles with addiction and mental health challenges, said Wojna, who is critical of Leduc city council's decision to rescind emergency shelter resources. "There's all kinds of holes (and) all kinds of places people fall through the cracks," she said. "Our society is not stepping up to care for our people."
  • Thieves have stolen cables from 12 electric vehicle charging stations in St. Albert, leaving just six of the city's 26 stations operational. Police are investigating the thefts, which are part of a broader trend of copper wire thefts across North America. The City of St. Albert says it will cost thousands of dollars to repair the stations and is discussing protective measures with ATCO.
  • Metallica concerts at Commonwealth Stadium on Aug. 23 and 25 drew thousands of fans, including at least one who travelled to Edmonton from St. John's. The concerts created significant traffic and pedestrian congestion in the area, with road closures on Stadium Road on concert days.
  • The City of Edmonton celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Front Yards in Bloom contest, recognizing top gardens across various categories including general yards, tiny yards, and public spaces. A full list of winners is available online.
  • The Simply Supper Lemonade Stand Day returned to Edmonton on Aug. 25 to raise funds for the Stollery Children's Hospital Pediatric Diabetes Education Centre. More than 600 stands participated this year. The annual event has raised more than $2 million since it began.