DrumhellerMail | DrumhellerMail

New Midland rink on schedule, waiting for permits

Demolition of the old Midland Rink is wrapping up and the area is beginning to look much different.
Since ground broke on the project in the spring on the new fully accessible NHL size outdoor rink, many local community members and businesses have come out to help volunteers and assist the Midlandvale Community Hall Association (MHCA) with the demolition. The foundation and old rink boards have been removed, along with some trees that were in the way of the new construction.
As demolition is nearing completion, the MCHA is waiting for the Town of Drumheller to issue the building permits needed in order to take the next steps. Cindy Sereda, a volunteer with the MCHA and who has been overseeing the project, tells the Mail what those next steps are.
“Reward Construction will be coming in to build the concrete foundation of the new rink and set up the new boards and basketball nets. We are hoping this will be a four to six week timeline once they get started,” says Sereda. “Amongst the rink construction, we will be having local volunteers and local licensed tradesmen working on the new skate shack, washrooms and storage garage.”
The MCHA is still about $125,000 from their fundraising goal. They have a raffle coming up thanks to West Jet and their Gift of Flight donation. More information will be posted on the MCHA website and Facebook page when it becomes available.
“We can’t wait to have this project ready for the entire community to enjoy!” exclaims Sereda.

Pride Week sees new inclusive Pride Walk

In April, the new Flag, Pole Banner and Decorative Trail Policy INF-C-01 was brought forth by Drumheller Town Council, and on Sunday many people gathered to paint murals on the newly Decorative Pride Walk.
Badlands Pride Association Co-Chair, Lana Phillips, along with almost 30 community volunteers were out painting the walkway located near the Drumheller Health Centre. Local community member, Mary Sanchez, designed the mural for the Pride Association’s portion of the trail. Paint and material were donated by Westview Co-op and Canadian Tire in Drumheller.
It was not the only new mural installed on the trail near the Drumheller Health Centre. Lynn Fabrick led a group of volunteers who painted a mural representing the Every Child Matters movement.
“We appreciate all the volunteers who came out, and the support of the community for Pride Week,” Phillips tells the Mail. “It was a nice way to end the week and now it’s out there for folks to enjoy.”
This program replaces installing decorated crosswalks.

Rails to Trails project receives Co-op Community Spaces Grant

Rails to Trails in Drumheller, Alberta is one of 14 projects that have received a portion of $1 million as a 2024 recipient of Co-op Community Spaces.
The Rails to Trails Project will be receiving $100,000 through the Co-op Community Spaces grant program to upgrade the Midland Bridge to make it usable for foot and bicycle traffic.
“We really appreciate the support from the local Westview Cooperative Association,” said Rails to Trails Fundraising Task Force chair Jason Blanke. “Without the support of the business community in Drumheller and surrounding area, we wouldn’t be as far along as we are. This significant contribution will make the connection between Midland and Newcastle attainable.”
“Partnering with this organization ignites a spark of excitement, as the project will re-establish a connection between these municipalities. Together, we will support sustainability and accessibility throughout the Community, building a welcoming future for everyone involved,” said Mike Isaak, General Manager of Westview Co-op.
Co-op Community Spaces is designed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. Celebrating its 10th year, Community Spaces has invested a total of $13.5 million in 189 projects in three categories: recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture. FCL administers Community Spaces on behalf of more than 160 local Co-ops operating in 600 communities.
The Rails to Trails Project looks to develop a 19-kilometre pathway system utilizing the decommissioned CN rail line. This route starts at the Midland Bridge in Drumheller to the Community of Wayne. This project aims to foster greater connectivity between the surrounding Communities, perfect for outdoor recreation and accessible to everyone.
To mark the contribution, a celebration will be held at the Drumheller Home and Agro Centre on Tuesday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn more about the program and its recipients at communityspaces.ca.