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Jurassic Record attempt not recognized by Guinness

   Despite the best efforts of organizers, Drumheller residents and the thousands who showed up on Saturday, April 27, the community’s name will not end up in the Guinness Book of World Records.
   The Jurassic Jamboree, held in Drumheller, Alberta, concluded with resounding cheers and smiles, embodying the true essence of community spirit and togetherness. The event included an attempt at the Guinness Book of World Records for “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Dinosaurs”.
   It seemed like a shoe in. With the previous record only being 252, the downtown core saw more than 3,000 people in suits. According to a release from Travel Drumheller, “Unfortunately, we could not obtain an exact measurement to officially break the Guinness World Records title for the ‘Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Dinosaurs.’”
   “We are incredibly proud of what we accomplished with over 3,000 dinosaurs in attendance at the Jurassic Jamboree, even though we didn’t achieve our goal of officially breaking the Guinness World Records title,” said Keri Looijen, Marketing Manager at Travel Drumheller.
   Throughout the weekend, the Jurassic Jamboree transformed Drumheller into a prehistoric wonderland, drawing in dinosaur enthusiasts from all across Canada and the US to revel in a world of wonder and excitement. Proving to the world, Drumheller is in fact, the Dinosaur Capital of the World. Adorned in vibrant dinosaur costumes, participants radiated enthusiasm and passion, bringing the ancient creatures to life with their dance moves and infectious energy.
   “The support and enthusiasm from everyone who attended was truly inspiring, and we are grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to the event’s success. This isn’t the only chance, we will attempt to break the record again in the future and the Jurassic Jamboree will now be an annual event,” said Looijen.

Drumheller RCMP investigating found human remains

On May 5, 2024, Drumheller RCMP were notified of possible found human remains. A person had been off roading in a rural area south of Delia and found what was believed to be human remains.

The bones were collected and transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Calgary, who determined that the remains are human. An Anthropologist has been engaged to date the remains.

The investigation continues.

Drumheller Town Council passes Tax Rate Bylaw

The Town of Drumheller (TOD) held a Special Meeting on Monday, May 13, before the Committee of the Whole Meeting, to give third reading to the Tax Rate Bylaw 14.24 and to discuss the property taxes and requisitions towards the RCMP, Education and Seniors foundations.

As implemented by the Municipal Government Act, every year the TOD must levy property taxes within the Bylaw. The 2024 Property Tax Bylaw 14.24 must meet the Operating and Capital Budget requirements and provincial regulations set forth by the MGA.

TOD will collect just over $14 million in property taxes this year. 14.43 percent will go to covering the Town’s portion of the RCMP costs, totalling just over two million dollars. Provincial requisitions, such as the Alberta School Foundation and the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation, will cost the town almost $3.5 million. The remaining 60 percent, or $8.5 million will be tax revenue towards the 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets.

In 2023, the average assessment for a single-family home was $234,000, in which the property tax was $2,123.

“We have ended up with a four percent increase on our operating budget, so to give you an idea, an assessed home at $234,000 will see about an $82 change (approximately $0.22/day) on that,” explains Councillor Tony Lacher at the meeting.

By comparison, last year’s budget called for an approximately 4.3 per cent tax increase.

Notices will be out by the end of May and taxes are due by the end of August.