Edmonton Minute: Police Overtime, Body Cameras, and Commonwealth Stadium Upgrades

Edmonton Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Edmonton politics

This Week In Edmonton:

• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council Public Hearing to address several zoning amendments. Council will hear from residents regarding bylaw changes to allow for medium scale housing in Sherwood, Strathcona, and Virginia Park, among other things.
  
  
• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes a verbal update regarding Dutch Elm Disease in Edmonton, an Operating Financial Update, and a Capital Financial Update. Council will also address the recommendation by the Edmonton Police Commission to change its member composition. The Commission is proposing the replacement of City Council members with public appointees. Should the meeting not conclude on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
  
  
• Some Edmonton police officers interacting with the public are now wearing body cameras. As of September 3rd, 280 officers have already received them. The initiative aims to increase transparency, reduce use-of-force incidents, and improve trust between the police and the community. However, there are concerns about the high cost, estimated at $12 million annually, and the time required to manage the footage. Discussions with Council are ongoing to secure funding for this program.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• The City said that $250 million in upgrades to Commonwealth Stadium are needed to address issues with crowd congestion on the concourse, highlighted by recent large events. Current problems include severe crowding at chokepoints. Recent upgrades, to the tune of $2 million, have already been made and include new concession systems, suite renovations, and bathroom updates. Funding remains uncertain, and the Province says they have no plans to contribute at this time.
  
  
• The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) incurred nearly $1.9 million in overtime and extra-duty policing costs during the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup playoffs run. After OEG pays a portion, the police - and thus, the taxpayers - will be responsible for about $1.1 million. Councillors noted this cost-split seemed reasonable given the increased police presence was mostly due to larger-than-usual crowds in downtown areas, which also happens on other days like Canada Day and New Year's Day.
  
  
• The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has restructured its academic offerings, expanding from four schools to seven for the 2024-25 school year. This strategic reorganization aims to improve student experiences and strengthen ties with industries by aligning programs more closely with real-world applications. Two new deans have been appointed to lead the newly created schools of Energy and Natural Resources, and Manufacturing and Automation.

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