On March 8, Mayor Terry Yemen, CAO Ray Romanetz and Councillor Jay Garbutt held discussions with the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Brian Mason, at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton.
Mayor Yemen spoke with Minister about current funding on two projects,(improvement on existing dyking systems in East Midland, Newcastle and Central Drumheller areas) and additional mitigation for the east part of town. Mayor Yemen questioned what this may look like and will it be an opportunity for buy-outs.
Mayor Yemen also discussed with the Minister about the government’s previous commitments. Town of Drumheller’s 2016 Strategic Business Plan states, “The projects are enhancements to existing infrastructure and others are proposed as agreed to with the Province back in 1985. 75% of the Province’s commitment at that time has been completed however there are outstanding areas particularly in Rosedale and Lehigh. The Town has approached the Province requesting that these projects be funded due to the past commitment. (Commitment identified as the need for a dyking system to be built through Drumheller after the Dickson Dam was constructed).”
Mayor Yemen talked about the project to deal with the ongoing odor coming from the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s sewer system. This has been a problem since 1985. Permanent and acceptable solutions are required and Mayor Yemen requested this project be a top priority with the province.
Mayor Yemen requested funding for a parking area on the south hill, by the Welcome to Drumheller sign and dinosaur structure. This is where tourists often stop to take pictures. It needs to be safe for tourists getting in and out of their vehicles. Traffic also needs to be able to enter and exit safely onto Highway 9 South.
