Town hall is pushing for the development of a Drumheller “brand” of signage as work has begun on revitalizing signage for the town and its satellite communities.
In about three weeks the town’s Economic Development Task Force will receive three potential theme mockups for a new series of signs that will be placed around Drumheller proper and for signs marking surrounding communities like East Coulee and Rosedale.
Director of Community Services Paul Salvatore said his department hopes installation of new signage, with East Coulee likely to receive the first installation, to take place in mid-September.
“We want to elevate the quality and look of our signage,” said Salvatore. “The big focus is to make sure we’re consistent with our branding.”
Direction for design as been given to Calgary company Urban Systems to draw upon dinosaurs and the badlands as inspiration for a new style of Drumheller branding which would be used on signage revitalization in a project expected to extend over the next five years. Salvatore said the group has looked toward road signage in Arizona state which draws colour from its surrounding landscape and culture to create a distinct feel.
“There’s so many choices in Drumheller. We have unique features and our signage should mesh with the different colour schemes and history here.”
The focus this year will be to improve and install new signage focusing on pedestrian and tourist traffic around the World’s Largest Dinosaur and Rotary Park to assist tourists in navigating towards parking and attractions. Directing motorhome traffic will be particularly important, said Salvatore.
He said there are areas on the sides of Highway 9 and Highway 56 which could have sign installations to direct and inform tourists.
Work has already begun on refurbishing the welcome sign where Highway 9 south comes into Drumheller.
Town council has also been lobbying the provincial government to improve its signage on its highways.
“It’s about presenting ourselves better,” said Salvatore.
The theme proposals will be received by the economic development committee in the coming weeks and will be shared with the public as the project develops, Salvatore said.
