Suicide Prevention Day walk fast approaching

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place annually on Sept. 10 with the local walk taking place one-day prior on Sept. 9.

The Border City’s annual Walk of Remembrance, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, will once again be held in Bud Miller All Seasons Park.

A welcoming speech and opening ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. with the memorial walk around Bud Miller lake starting at 3:15 p.m.

By the numbers, an estimated 703,000 people take their life around the world per year.

For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.

Each suicidal death is a public health concern with a profound impact on those around them. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging wellinformed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.

This year’s guest speaker will feauture Lloydminster fire fighter and mental health advocate Maverick Hann, who will be speaking after the walk at 4 p.m.

Snack, refreshments and fellowship will follow at 4:30 p.m.

Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair and a photo of their loved one for the memory board.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization. Sept. 10 focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.

“Creating hope through action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 20212023. This theme is a reminder there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us.

Bioclean Aquatic Centre annual maintenance begins Aug. 21

The routine annual maintenance at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre is scheduled from Aug. 21 through Sept. 24. All water amenities will be closed to the public during this time.

Planned upgrades to the facility include:

• wave machine controls retrofit;

• diving block replacement;

• slide refinishing;

• tile replacement;

• Extensive cleaning.

Memberships will be placed on hold during the maintenance clo - sure and automatically resume Monday, Sept. 25.

Weather permitting, the outdoor pool will remain open until Monday, Sept. 4.