The Wayfinding Signage Committee is getting closer to start the first phase of the installation of the pedestrian signs in the core of Drumheller.  

The Committee is composed of Brock Harrington, Adrian Hartman and Mike Todor, as representatives from the Economic Development Advisory Committee, and staff from Community Services and Infrastructure Services. On September 15, 2016 the committee agreed to proceed with the first phase, which includes the installation of 11 signs.

“The priority in 2016 has been given to core downtown. However the plan is to widen the area covered by these signs in future years” said Paul Salvatore Director of Community Services, “the design was inspired by our unique local landscape, and dinosaur heritage.”

The design specialists, Urban Systems and the Wayfinding Committee spent the summer determining the design and location for each sign. As part of the Tourism Master Plan the signage is also a part of the 2016 revitalization project plan.  

The committee was interested in using a local vendor for the production of the signs.  After quotes were requested from three local vendors and only one quote received. The local quote much higher than the recommended supplier, Heavy Industries from Calgary, who was within the budget.  The Wayfinding signage package falls within the budget in the 2016 revitalization project plan.    

There has also been discussion with Dino Arts about using the signs in combination with the creation of a “Dino Walk of Fame”. The idea to incorporate a medallion that would be on each sign that would include links to the “Dino Walk”. This medallion could possibly have a “scavenger hunt” feature that links to person’s mobile device. This would entice visitors to search out the next medallion bringing them to other points of interest throughout the Valley.

Discussions with the designer also included possibly having scientific representation of dinosaurs that are significant to the Valley's paleontological past. The Royal Tyrrell Museum has offered to consult with Dino Arts on the descriptions of these dinosaurs.

“Pedestrian signage is an important aspect of welcoming visitors to our community as well as helping them discover our great businesses,” said Julia Fielding Economic Development and Communications Officer. “Urban Systems have designed the signs and worked with the committee on their locations. They are a renowned urban design company who work on projects throughout Western Canada.”

The staff from Infrastructure Services and the suppliers is working on the final production. Installation is expected to commence in the next four to six weeks pending any weather or unforeseen circumstances.

    This week The Salvation Army and local food bank operators across Canada are asking people to Draw the Line on Hunger.
    From September 19-23 is Hunger Awareness Week. Jenessa McAuley community and family services worker for the local Salvation Army says the goal is to raise awareness of hunger issues in Canada, but also locally.
    “It also talks about the role of food banks”, she said.
     Captain Jennifer Hillier of The Salvation Army, said last year they saw an increase of users of the food bank, but this year it seems to have leveled out.
    “That’s good news for us, I think we are into a natural rhythm of the food banks. We are still definitely very busy and seeing lots of people on a weekly basis, it doesn’t seem to be still climbing though,” said Hillier. That may be just because of the season, we may see it later in the year.”
    McAuley says that today almost 50 per cent of the users are households with children.
    The Salvation Army wrapped up their annual Stuff The Bus program with great support from local residents, businesses and community organizations. Encana also stepped up with a matching program.
    “We had asked for some specific things during Stuff The Bus such as peanut butter and school snacks for kids because we typically see a demand around this time of year for those items, and we got lots of those items which we are really grateful for,” said Hillier. “We are still low on a few things like pasta, pasta sauces, Kraft Dinner and noodle soups.”
    She adds they have continued to not only make sure the basic need of hunger is fulfilled but also looking at nutritional requirements.
    “We are looking into what we put in hampers. It is always a challenge with non-perishables to move away from things that come in a box and have a lot of sugar and salt content,” said Hillier.
    She explains they have introduced a peanut butter initiative with the goal of making sure peanut butter is a standard item in food hampers.
    “It is really exciting because it does boost the nutritional value,” said McAuley, adding that during this time of year, they do receive more fresh vegetables, while not predictable, they do supplement the hampers.
    Another initiative to keep stocks of the local food bank healthy is they have approached local churches to hold food drives. “We are really excited about that because every month we will have some sort of food supply coming through the food bank,” said Hillier.
    To help get residents to think about the problem of hunger, they are holding a couple awareness events. On Wednesday, September 21, (today) they are holding a brown bag lunch challenge, asking people to bring lunch to work instead of buying lunch and donating the funds to the food bank.
    On Thursday, September 22, at the noon hour, they are screening a documentary called “Thought for Food,” followed by a discussion at the Salvation Army Church.
    For more information on World Hunger Awareness Week, go to www.drumsa.org.