Residents of East Coulee and Lehigh may have difficulty swallowing the latest estimates for the cost of adding municipal water lines.
    In May of this year, the Town of Drumheller was approved for a $3.4 million grant to extend water from Cambria to East Coulee.
    For years residents have relied on water wells. The quality of water varies dramatically between households, from the crystal clear to the clear as mud.
    The grant would not cover the entire cost however, and residents would foot 10 per cent of the bill through a local improvement tax.
    Until now, East Coulee residents have been kept in the dark as to what the cost will be.
    It was announced in the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, October 17, the price per connection would be $15,768.94.
    This is significantly higher than previous estimates, which had placed the cost at roughly $11,000.
    The cause of the dramatic increase is more accurate determination of how many lots need water. The number of parcels of land that need water has dropped from 295 to 206. Less parcels means the total cost of the project is divided amongst fewer people.
    Two ammortization periods were brought to council, 20 and 25 years. In the 20 year scheme residents would pay $1,095.32 per year in taxes. The 25 year plan would have taxes of $942.08, but at a cost of just over $1,500 more in interest.
    To ease the blow, council believes house insurance will drop, and residents will no longer have to spend money on maintaining their wells.
    East Coulee residents were already divided on the issue, with many reserving their judgment until numbers were given. The higher cost could exacerbate the issue and cause those waiting to reject improvements.
    Council is going to send information to residents regarding the proposed scheme and will soon schedule a meeting with residents to discuss the proposal.

    Scotiabank showed its support for the Badlands Community Facility on Friday afternoon by donating $25,000 to the project.
    Drumheller Scotiabank incoming manager Karen Thacker was joined by current manager Debi Kennedy to present Jeff Hall of the Community Facility Fundraising committee, and marketing officer Heather Little with the donation.
    “Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad,” said Kennedy. “Our donation to the Badlands Community Facility demonstrates our corporate and social responsibility objectives including being a positive influence and enriching the communities we serve.”
    Currently, crews are working on paving the roadways and parking lot, installing the siding and moving the cenotaph from behind the curling rink to a more prominent location in front of the Badlands Community Facility.  While work is continuing, Council revealed at its committee meeting that the completion date has been moved back to December 30.
    “We are pleased with the community’s support of the Badlands Community Facility and excited to see the Facility nearing completion,” said Hall, fundraising co-chair.            
    “We hope to continue working with donors such as Scotiabank to further support the campaign and the community as we strive to provide a gathering place for all generations, enhance our infrastructure and improve the community’s overall health and wellness.”