Gus, the lonesome dinosaur in Downtown Drumheller finally has a new mate.

On Friday afternoon,November 6, the DinoArts Association unveiled a new dinosaur across the street to keep him company.

The Association worked hard all summer to raise the funds to “Get Gus a Date.” On Friday afternoon, she was placed on the corner of Centre Street and 3^rd Avenue for the world to see.

This is the fourth new addition by the DinoArts Association.

    A number of area organizations are optimistic in light of the Alberta Government reinstating the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).
    The Alberta Government cancelled STEP in 2013. This program was relied on by a number of attractions to hire students over the summer. When it was cance.led, they had to search for other revenues to hire staff, or go without.
    Julia Fielding, executive director of the Atlas Coal Mine is encouraged by the news.
    “We used it a lot,” said Felding. “It was a big help for us.”
    In fact, Atlas used the program to hire students from 2010 to 2012.
    According to a release, the program will support employers by providing wage subsidies for more than 3,000 student positions starting in summer 2016. STEP will help students gain valuable work experience while helping small businesses and other employers access a new workforce.
    “Students hold the future in their hands. Their success is Alberta’s success, and we need to provide every opportunity to succeed. That’s why our government is following through on our promise to reinstate STEP. We are helping to open doors for students to gain the skills and on-the-job experience they need to enter the workforce and be successful,” said Premier Rachel Notley.
    Fielding said in the three years they have used the program it has benefitted local students.
    Not only has the program been resurrected, but expanded. In previous years the program was restricted to municipalities, not for profit groups, school boards and post secondary institutions. Now it has been expanded to include small business.    
    Heather Bitz Executive Director of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce said it too used the program in previous years. She is encouraged about the expansion.
    “I am pleased to see the return of the Summer Temporary Employment Program. It is a great opportunity for employers to access funding for seasonal summer student positions,” said Bitz. In addition, STEP will provide opportunities for young people in our workforce to develop skills and critical job experience to ensure their future success as productive citizens in our economy. The addition of small businesses as eligible applicants is also welcomed, especially with the recent minimum wage increase.”