The Camburger — Let's get hugging, Edmonton

We need volunteer huggers in Edmonton, stationed on the High Level Bridge. A few on the north side and some on the south side. Because sometimes a hug can lead to conversation, which could be life-saving. Edmonton city councillors voted Tuesday to look at options in securing the High Level Bridge to bring down the number of suicides. There were 14 deaths last year around the bridge area: 14 too many. And 41 reported suicide attempts between 2011 and 2013. Forty-one too many.

I think people who find themselves in such a state of thinking about ending their lives are going to find their way on to the bridge, no matter what. But if there were folks around watching, looking for signs of distress we might be on to something. What if the city and The Support Network got together and trained volunteers to help?

There could be rewarding in so many ways. For volunteers it would provide a way for them to reach out in ways they might not even know they had. Maybe just an hour at a time. For people in need, a caring face can do so much. Sometimes, just seeing someone can comfort us. And a welcoming hug could change someone’s life. What do you think, Edmonton?

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A downtown arena hero could be lurking. Who will it be?

It really should feel like Christmas Eve in Edmonton. But of course it doesn’t because the mercury got up to 31 degrees Monday.

But I don’t sense any excitement as we hang up our shorts and T-shirts this evening. Because May 8, 2013 could go down as one of the biggest days in Edmonton’s history when city council gives the final green light for the new downtown arena.

The operative word here is could.

I think the arena deal is far from over. And although we have been told to uncork certain adult beverages on May 8 as the day Edmonton finally tumbles over the monumental hump, I’ll just stick to coffee, thank you.

I am afraid the entire project is still very much at risk. I also think it could be turned into an election hot potato when Edmontionians go to the polls in the fall.
Oh, sure: if the missing $55 million for the project somehow appeared the vote would be a no-brainer. But without it how can we expect city councilors to move forward?

We can’t. If they did they wouldn’t be acting responsibility.

Over the several years we he seen the two parties involved, city council and Edmonton Oiler owner Daryl Katz, jostle for positioning. Both parties have shown leadership and vision for the city.

On the other hand, both parties have remained steadfast in their position and do not want to move anymore.

It’s all part of negotiations.

But at this crucial point, when the future of Edmonton’s image could very be reflected in a negative light if the project is lost forever, someone has a golden opportunity to be the savior here.

Both the city and the Katz Group could make a last-second concession. And who knows if that isn’t being discussed now, or perhaps later Tuesday evening? Maybe a deal maker is …

Or could that be the provincial government, who has repeatedly said there will not be any provincial funding?

Someone has to make a significant step forward to move the downtown arena deal ahead.

If not, I fear we’re going to continue the process of wheels spinning and, sadly, loose the opportunity of Edmonton being on even ground as a great Canadian city.

Yet, heroes manifest themselves every day.

Only time will tell if Edmonton will have one walking down an Edmonton street in May — rather than a chimney in December.