City considers suicide prevention on High Level Bridge

Edmonton city council is considering changes to the High Level Bridge to prevent suicide attempts.

"I think if someone's going to try to hurt themselves they might end up doing it no matter what you do. But we need to put as many roadblocks up as possible," said Mayor Stephen Mandel.

The bridge has a long history of being associated with suicide attempts. The citys medical examiner says there were 14 suicide deaths on or near the bridge last year.

There has also been a critically-acclaimed short film made on the High Levels history of suicide deaths.

There are already barriers up to prevent suicides, as well as signs directing people to support services if they are considering suicide.

The city administration recommends expanding those measures, as well as possibly adding a phone to the bridge that connects directly with a support line.

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However, Nancy McCalder, executive director of The Support Network, says the money would be better spent helping people before they make the decision to attempt suicide.

"I would love to see the city put some money into the distress line program," McCalder said.

"That's terrible that we're having to fundraise to support our citizens, at a time when they really need somebody to listen when life is hurting them."

McCalder says suicide prevention is an issue bigger than just one bridge, although she says she is glad that it is forcing people to confront the problem. With more than 500 suicides in the province annually, she says it is still a taboo subject.

"That's more than one Albertan a day that we're losing to suicide, which in my mind is astronomical."

The citys Community Services Committee will discuss the report Tuesday.