Students and staff at Drumheller Valley Secondary School are getting ready to host students from across the province next spring.
    From May 11-13, 2014, DVSS will host the annual Alberta Student Leadership Conference.

The Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) Leaderhip class is busy organizing the 2014 Alberta Student Leadership Conference. It is expected the conference will bring roughly 700 students from all over the province to the Valley from May 11 to 13. Organizers are asking for help to make the conference a success.

    “It’s a three day conference hosting students from all over Alberta. It’s an annual event and we undergo intensive leadership training through different seminars,” said DVSS student Maria Patterson, who is helping to organize the conference.
    Patterson attended last year’s conference and felt it is well worth the effort to bring it to Drumheller.
    “It was great and  they’re always interesting. I learned how to be a better leader and to voice my opinion,” said Patterson.
    Organizers are anticipating Drumheller will be packed with students.
    “Last year, there were about 1,400 students, but this year we’re thinking we’ll get about 700. It really depends on the school’s location,” said DVSS student Kortney Giffin, who is also helping organize.
    The student delegates will be shown the sights and sounds of the Valley.
    “They’ll be seeing our tourist attractions, staying in our hotels, and eating our food. They’ll be taking back a piece of Drumheller when they go home, so hopefully they’ll return with their families,” said Patterson. “It’s a perfect kick-off right before our tourist season hits.”
    Several guest speakers have been lined up so far, including Craig Kielburger, Sabrina Jalees, and Michel Chikwanne.
    To make the conference a success, organizers are asking for help from individuals and businesses in the community. The guest speakers alone cost thousands.
    “We need a lot of community support. Not just monetary donations, we need small things like water bottles and backpacks for the swag bags. We also need food and meals. Because we’re such a small school, we won’t get as much in registration fees, so we need more community support,” said Patterson.
    The community can also support by volunteering.
    “We also need volunteers to help, like with registration, serving food, or supervising the dance,” said DVSS teacher Cindy Karpa.
    Those interested in helping out can call Karpa at 403-823-5171.

    The Alberta Government is proposing new legislation that would allow municipalities more control over their roads.
    Bill 32, the Enhancing Safety on Alberta Roads Act, will amend the Traffic Safety Act and the Highway Development Protection Act. The changes would allow municipalities to set the rules for playground zones within their boundaries.

The Province of Alberta has introduced Bill 32, the Enhancing Safety on Alberta Roads Act, which proposes to allow municipalities to set their own rules regarding playground zones, such as what times playground zones are in effect.

    One issue facing Drumheller’s highways does not seems to be addressed by the changes. The Town has been working with St. Anthony’s School to lobby the province to create a school zone on North Dinosaur Trail, which is considered a provincial highway, near St. Anthony’s School.
    “When the minister (Ric McIver) was here he said he would look at it, but we haven’t heard anything yet,” said Mayor Terry Yemen.
    The Town is hoping the changes will allow them to address what is transported through North Dinosaur Trail.
    “I wrote them a letter, because I’ve heard concerns about dangerous substances being transported on Dinosaur Trail. I asked what the province’s thoughts were on it. They came back saying it would be something we could look into at a municipal level,” said Yemen. “It’ll be something council will look at down the road.”
    Muncipalities currently have the authority to set the hours during which school zone speed limits are in effect.
    “I am pleased to bring forward legislation that furthers our commitment to the safety of families and communities. Working with Alberta drivers, municipalities and stakeholders we will continue to help keep our children and Albertans safe,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation.
    The second change would give the province the authority to designate lanes for specific uses on highways. Other changes would align legislation to changes to the Criminal Code of Canada.