The Starmine Suspension bridge in Rosedale is not expected to reopen for the 2021 tourism season due to safety concerns surrounding the structural supports.
A bridge inspection was carried out in March 2020, which identified a significant amount of wood rot on the north shore bridge support deeming it unsafe.
The land on the north shore of the Starmine Suspension Bridge is located on was privately owned, which previously required land use agreements with the landowners and other respective parties in order to perform inspections and maintenance work.
The Town of Drumheller has been working with Alberta Transportation and the property owners and have successfully concluded land transfer negotiations for this parcel of land. This will allow the Town of Drumheller and Alberta Transportation to perform regular maintenance on the bridge, as required.
Before the land transfer is complete, Alberta Lands must complete an indigenous consultation. This has not happened yet, and until it does, the Town of Drumheller and Alberta Transportation cannot access the area to perform the work.
Meanwhile, conceptual designs for the repair have been provided by engineers, and the scope of work is underway in preparation for when Alberta Lands completes the consultation.

This week, Raptor Ridge RV Resort, a new Drumheller recreational community, officially broke ground on its 325-acre site located on the north side of the Red Deer River escarpment off Highway 576.
Following a three-year collaborative application process, engaging with Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS), the Town of Drumheller, the Drumheller community, and technical experts, Raptor Ridge's development builds on The Town’s reputation as a staycation destination.
Every summer, the Dinosaur Capital of the World welcomes tourists from all over, looking to experience the world-famous Badlands, the "World's Largest Dinosaur," and the internationally renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum. With many Albertans looking to stay safe and close to home once again this summer, Raptor Ridge is set to fulfill the high demand for RVing while also bolstering the local tourism industry and economy.
"Our team has worked diligently to ensure Raptor Ridge not only protects The Badlands and supports the local community but also provides an opportunity for local and regional tourism growth for years to come," says Daniel MacGregor, Senior Planner with B&A Planning Group. "Having collaborated with the Town, Palliser Regional Municipal Services, and the greater community over the past eight months, we are confident that Raptor Ridge will be a resort community that everyone – owners, guests, neighbours, the Town, and the region – can be proud of."
From the initial concept, the Raptor Ridge Team has strived to ensure the new three-season RV Resort addresses all needs. First and foremost is the development not being visible from the valley but also includes protection of The Badlands, minimizing environmental impacts, ensuring a safe development, providing fully serviced and titled RV lots, and enhancing the property with recreational amenities.
In support of the local economy, Raptor Ridge is employing local businesses to facilitate the development of the lands, including a local surveyor and earth-moving company. Widespread economic benefit will be seen as people take occupancy of their sites and build decks, sheds and become part of the local community.
The Raptor Ridge RV Resort will develop about 88 acres of the 325-acre site, protecting the majority of the land, including the entire Badlands escarpment, in its natural state. A 26-acre Municipal Reserve dedication will be accessible to the public from the Red Deer River. At full build-out, the community will be home to 420 RV lots and a series of amenities including a heated pool, day park with picnic area, walking and biking trails, kids’ playground, and "dinosaur dig", a zipline, and more.
The RV lots will be built over four phases of development. Phase 1, with 150 lots and several key amenities, is currently under construction and anticipated to be ready for its first owners later this year. For more information about Raptor RV Ridge Resort, visit www.raptorridgeresort.ca.