Edmonton is early adopter in Western Canada testing of electric autonomous vehicles

EasyMile driverless shuttle

City of Edmonton - The City of Edmonton is planning a pilot project later this year to test electric autonomous vehicle technology.  “Edmonton embraces innovation and we look forward to working with our citizens, partners, industry and other orders of government to prepare for the potential of widespread autonomous vehicle use,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “As one of the fastest growing and youngest cities in Canada, we are driving our own future and looking forward to what this pilot will help us understand.”

Lethbridge and Edmonton approved to offer supervised drug consumption services

Associate Health Minister Brandy Payne speaks about the first five Alberta locations which will offer supervised consumption services to people in Edmonton and Lethbridge. (supplied photo)

According to a Government of Alberta press release issued today, Edmonton and Lethbridge are the first cities in Alberta approved to offer supervised consumption services to people at risk of overdosing. So far this year, 315 Albertans have died of apparent fentanyl-related overdoses. The Edmonton community-based sites approved for supervised consumption services are expected to open in late 2017 or early 2018, with ARCHES’ Lethbridge location expected to open in early 2018. The anticipated opening date for supervised consumption services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital is spring 2018.

“This is an incredibly important announcement for Lethbridge that is going to save lives. I want to thank Health Canada and the province of Alberta for recognizing the urgency of the crisis here in Lethbridge and providing a swift approval of the application to establish supervised consumption services in our city. The vetting process for the application is rigorous, and so I also want to commend Stacey Bourque and the staff at ARCHES for working so hard to prepare an exceptionally thorough application.” - Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman

Made-in-Alberta machine guns seized

ALERT - Following an eight-month investigation, ALERT has seized four prohibited firearms – including two homemade MAC-11 submachine guns – that were allegedly manufactured at a machinist shop just west of Edmonton.  ALERT Edmonton’s Guns and Gangs unit concluded its investigation on August 17, 2017, with the arrest of two suspects. Edmonton Police Service and RCMP investigators helped search two Edmonton homes and a rural property in Parkland County, where it is believed the guns were being manufactured.  ALERT is still investigating how many MAC-11s were manufactured, but it is believed some of these weapons have found their way to the criminal market.

Early morning disturbance at the Edmonton International Airport

RCMP Alberta - This morning at approximately 5:50 a.m. the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) RCMP Detachment was called for assistance with an individual who was attempting to get past the American pre-boarding screening area.  As airport staff and an RCMP member attempted to restrain the male he assaulted an RCMP member and a US Customs Officer. When the subject did not comply with demands, an RCMP member on scene deployed the conducted energy weapon (taser) to gain control of the individual.  The male was placed under arrest and lodged in cells for processing. No injuries were sustained.  This was an isolated incident with no threat to the public.

Poor driving conditions on several Alberta highways

RCMP Alberta, October 14, 2016 (updated)  - RCMP and Sheriffs are advising motorists of poor road conditions south of Edmonton on the Queen Elizabeth 2 highway, and adjacent roads. The inclement winter weather has resulted in winter driving conditions including poor visibility and a very slippery road surface. Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution when driving.

The Integrated Traffic Unit has placed a tow ban Highway 2 between Edmonton and Millet until further notice. The tow ban will be lifted when conditions improve and allow for safe tow operations on the highway.

Strathcona County RCMP are advising motorists that road conditions in Strathcona County continue to be challenging as heavy snow continues. RCMP have responded to 8 Motor Vehicle Collision is the last 90 minutes throughout the County.