A week filled with joy and tragedy for Edmonton
June 12, 2015
It was a week filled with exhilarating highs and devastating lows, demonstrating just how much seven days can mean in the life of a city.
The most compelling and heartbreaking story this week was the tragic death of Constable Daniel Woodall on a beautiful Monday evening in Edmonton. Constable Woodall worked in the EPS Hate Crimes division and was serving a relatively routine arrest warrant along with Sergeant Jason Harley when the two officers were shot. The events prompted an immediate outpouring of sympathy and support for Constable Woodall’s family and an emotional Mayor Iveson spoke at a press conference at EPS headquarters the following day: “Edmonton is a safe city because, by and large, good people live here. The very bravest and best among us step forward to become first responders, just like Constable Woodall and Sergeant Harley. We rely on our police to protect us from the few and the worst among us, and Constable Woodall's respected work in the Hate Crimes unit reflects our highest aspirations for a safe and caring community. His vital contributions to Edmonton will not be forgotten.”
Anyone interested in helping Constable Woodall’s family can do so through a special donation page that will be open until next Thursday. Watch for details regarding a public ceremony for Constable Woodall and his family next week.
The tragedy of Monday evening cast a dark shadow over a week that began with several joyous events, including Edmonton playing host to 1,700 municipal officials and leaders, and the 2015 Pride Parade, held this year on Whyte Avenue. Edmontonians of all ages – including Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau – came out to party with the city’s LGBTQ community in celebration of diversity and inclusiveness under a bright blue sky.
Later that same day, Edmontonians filled the stands for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Commonwealth Stadium was electric as a sold out crowd of 53,000 cheered Canada on to 1-0 victory over China. It was the largest crowd ever gathered to watch a national team event in Canada’s history! The tournament continues on for the rest of the month, so don’t miss your chance to see some the best soccer players in the world compete for the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
Also this week, the Mayor joined by Councillors Sohi, Henderson and Nickel at the official opening of the new Mill Woods Library, Seniors and Multicultural Centre. Doubling the size of the library and adding a seniors and multicultural centre ensures the needs of southeast Edmonton residents will be met for years to come. This new centre gives the Mill Woods community additional space to learn and connect, while providing dedicated space to seniors and multicultural groups.
Wednesday was City Council day and Councillors debated a number of important topics, including prioritizing applications for the federal Building Canada Fund - a list that includes rail overpasses for both 50th and 75th streets - adjustments to the recently passed Capital Budget, and an inquiry by Mayor Iveson regarding the housing of vulnerable Edmontonians in run-down hotels and motels in our city. The Mayor asked City administration to look into what steps have already been taken and “what, if any, further actions are being considered by Administration to prevent this type of thing from happening in our city in the future.”
For More Information
Mayor Don Iveson
2nd Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB
T5J 2R7
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