Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday Sept. 26

Advertise | Sign Up

Good morning !

It’s been a while since we checked in with a survey to get to know our readers better so we are launching a quick and simple survey next week and hope to get as many readers as possible to answer it (just once!). Those who do will be entered into a draw for a giveaway, so make sure to give it a quick look so we can get to know you a bit more. Thank you in advance and have a great weekend!

👀 In today's edition:

• Man’s last words: “I don’t want to die”

• Farmers hope for one last harvest push

• Halloween shops to prepare for season

Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 34,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

WORTH KNOWING

⛅️ Today: High 17C, Low 10C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

“I don’t want to die”: Alberta’s police watchdog releases more information about the man who died while in police custody during an arrest

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) released more information about the death of a man who was in police custody after being arrested on Sept. 17 at the Carriage House Inn. He has since been identified as Jon Wells, 42, a rodeo cowboy from the southern Alberta’s Blood Tribe. ASIRT released a report on Wednesday that offers a preliminary glimpse into the details of what happened that night as the interaction was captured on body-worn camera.

The key details according to ASIRT include:

• ASIRT said the man was standing with his hands in full view and he didn’t have any weapons on him.

• The man was told by the first police officer to leave the lobby but was acting “confused” and appeared to be trying to pick things up off the floor that didn’t exist

• After about 30 seconds, the officer pointed his Taser at the man and ordered him to leave the hotel, and the man raised his hands and told the officer he “didn’t want to die.”

• ASIRT said that’s when two more officers showed up and walked towards the man as the officer who was first on scene holstered his Taser and attempted to grab the man.

• The release says that “at no point during the interaction had the male been identified, nor was he ever told he was being detained or under arrest.”

• ASIRT said that is when the man physically resists being grabbed and then is tackled by a second officer who punches him in the head while both are on the ground.

• ASIRT said two other officers deployed their Tasers at this point, as the three officers and man were involved in a physical altercation that lasted about three-and-a-half minutes.

• Once the male is detained on the floor, handcuffs and leg restraints are applied as several more officers arrived on scene.

• ASIRT said that while the man was bleeding from the mouth and vomiting, a spit mask was put on him as he was lying face down on the floor.

• That’s when ASIRT said EMS arrived and gave the man a sedative via a needle about seven minutes after he was handcuffed.

• After three minutes someone noticed he was unresponsive and he was provided medical care but was pronounced dead on scene.

ASIRT says it is continuing to investigate the arrest. The full preliminary report is available online.

In case you missed it the first time

Need to know

👮‍♂️ Indigenous people in Calgary are overrepresented in missing persons, violent crimes and interactions with police, a new report suggests.

🏘️ Most non-homeowners in Calgary can’t see themselves ever owning a home: poll.

🌽 Alberta farmers are hopeful that good weather helps for one last harvest push.

🌲 A busy downtown Calgary intersection has partially reopened Tuesday after a tree was set on fire overnight.

🔥 Calgary fire crews battled a blaze that engulfed multiple homes in the community of Saddle Ridge.

🚓 $500K in cocaine and meth was seized during a Calgary drug bust on two homes.

🏞️ Calgary city council to consider building a new park in Nose Creek Valley.

🚌 Request to increase Calgary low-income transit pass funding worries advocates.

🤑 ‘Our lives are going to change forever’: Calgary couple wins $1 million.

SPONSORED BY MATEINA

Your new favourite afternoon pick-me-up

Mateina is a low to no-sugar drink made from Yerba Mate, a beverage that has been part of South American traditions for centuries. Mateina’s ready-to-drink energy brews offer steady energy, without the unwanted crash or jitters. 

Founded in Montreal in 2017 by Nicolas Beaupré and Elodie Simard, Mateina is now taking the US by storm with a partnership with the world’s #1 health podcast host, Dr. Andrew Huberman. 

“We envision a world where Yerba Mate is a highly accessible and health-forward beverage that is consumed by hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. and around the world, in the same way coffee and tea are today,” Simard says.

Get 15% off Mateina’s Grapefruit Guava, Lemon Zero, or Peach Passion flavours today.

From costumes to candy, these five local spots have got you covered for all of your Halloween needs

It’s almost spooky season and that means Halloween lovers will have no shortage of events to enjoy in October—but that means it’s time to get your costumes ready! Here are five places in Calgary to shop for Halloween supplies.

The Costume Shoppe: The Costume Shoppe is locally owned and operated and is your year-round option for thousands of available costumes and accessories located on Blackfoot.

Spirit Halloween: There are locations all over the city of this popular seasonal store that offers a wide range of costumes, decorations, and accessories. You’ll find everything from spooky decor to themed costumes for all ages.

Michaels: This popular arts and crafts store has a great selection of DIY Halloween decorations, costumes, and craft supplies that are perfect for those looking to create their own spooky decor.

Dollarama: A budget-friendly option for Halloween goodies such as decorations, candy, and fun party supplies without breaking the bank.

Value Village: A great place for unique and second-hand costumes where you can often find vintage pieces and accessories to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Morning Brunch Co.: A diverse brunch menu that is reasonably priced, there’s now four locations you can enjoy this breakfast and brunch spot at; one in Airdrie, one in Okotoks, and two in Calgary (Shawnessy and West Springs).

🍴 The Potion Room: A magical place for wizards and witches and fans of Harry Potter to enjoy drinks and sheesha in Inglewood.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Moonlit Market, Art & Tattoos: On Friday from 5-10pm, the 5th Moonlit Market is happening at Idle Eyes Collective and Loveyland Studios and will feature over 19 artists, vintage sellers, and tattoo artists who are eager to connect with the community at this all-ages event.

🎟️ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: There are dozens of events across the city over the week from powwows to panels to “Orange Shirt Day” so plan ahead. Sept. 30 and beyond at various locations.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

SPONSORED BY THE OWEN HART FOUNDATION

“Friend of the Charity”

Sponsor the Owen Hart Foundation’s Jerry Seinfeld event and become a “Friend of the Charity.” As a sponsor, you will be given recognition at the event and be provided with two main floor tickets to the 6pm or 9pm show on November 16. By supporting the foundation, you help empower individuals with limited opportunities but boundless potential.

From our readers

That’s it!

Thanks for reading today. If you found something interesting, please forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them to sign up!

And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!