It’s not unusual to hear the roar of motorcycles through the valley. In fact, Drumheller is a very popular destination for two wheels on the tarmac.
Last Wednesday, however, there was a barrage of bikes on a mission.
The Rolling Barrage is a cross-country ride. Its mission is “to create and maintain a community of support for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), RCMP, First Responders, Safety Community, and Emergency Healthcare Providers, to show strength and unity, and to combat the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”
On August 14, over 100 bikes rolled through the valley on this trek that started in Newfoundland on July 27 and concluded last weekend in Aldergrove BC. Some riders do the ”Full Pull,” while others ride in one or more legs.

Riders coming through Drumheller were greeted at the intersection of Highway 9 and 2nd Avenue by the Drumheller Fire Department, which hoisted its flag over the intersection using the ladder truck. RCMP also came out for the procession.
The first ride was in 2017. It was started by Scott Casey with the premise to fight the stigma of PTSD and raise funds for programs or organizations that help CAF members, Veterans, and First Responders (both serving and retired) obtain treatment to live with the mental health injuries they received from their service to Canada and their communities.
The Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation uses evidence-based tools, services, activities, and therapies to support all members of the following groups with one or more PTSIs/OSIs.
For more information go to therollingbarrage.com

The Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management Association (DDSWMA) has opted to continue delivering its own recycling program to members as the province works to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
EPR is a policy where the producers- businesses that supply packaging and paper, are responsible for the end-of-life management of their material. In practice, the program is overseen by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA).
Producers Responsibility Organizations (PROS) representing producers of packaging will take responsibility for establishing collection management systems. In the end, they will be responsible for much consumer-based recycling, taking the burden off municipalities. In Alberta, Circular Materials will act as the PROS for single-use plastic, paper and cardboard.
Municipalities in Alberta had a deadline of August 1 to determine whether they would opt-out and have the PROS manage the system, or opt-in, and continue to run its own recycling system, through a service agreement with Circular Materials
The DDSWMA held a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 25. The membership voted to opt-in as a service provider.
In considering the vote by opting in DDSWMA will be able to continue serving residents, members and the communities with recycling services at the current levels. There is potential for an increased collection of specified materials, as EPR includes other packing products including glass, styrofoam and soft plastic. It will also provide DDSWMA with the ability to negotiate with Circular Materials.