An icon of Drumheller tourism and lore is forging ahead, and while it has new ownership charting its future, it is its history that makes it special.  
    Dave and Videll Arsenault took ownership of the famed Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon in August. The historic hotel and saloon is a mainstay for locals and visitors bringing the mining history of the valley to life. The couple is thrilled to be part of the future of Wayne.
    “It is exciting and it is fun,” said Dave. “Now that I am into it, I am really enjoying it. I am excited about the possibilities.”
    The couple has enjoyed its first season operating the Hotel and Saloon, and the whole family is onboard. They are new to this type of venture.
    “I have stayed in lots of hotels and ate in lots of restaurants, but I have never seen it from this side,” said Dave.
    They have taken advantage of some guidance from the former owner Fred and Alisa Dayman, and have some long time staff who are very familiar with the operation to help them out.
    Dave says they plan to change very little, save for  maybe a few menu items.  
    “I know it is very iconic. I had many questions asked about what our plans are, and we are not going to  change a thing. We don’t want to do anything to change the character of the building or modernize it. I feel it is our responsibility to preserve it and keep it intact. It has a character of a museum and you almost feel like a curator at times.”

    One tradition they are continuing and expanding is their dedication to live music. They are working hard to bring in top acts both local and from out of town. Already they have seen the likes of Joe Vickers and Tim Hus cross their stage. Tonight, (October 25) the Cat Country Cougar Hunters will be on stage for their Halloween bash. They are booking and aim to remain open for the winter. They are planning to host an “Old Fashion Christmas” and are taking bookings for Christmas parties and events.    
    Check out www.visitlastchancesaloon.com or see their Facebook page for upcoming events.

    Drumheller’s best and brightest businesses were honoured this week in the Business Excellence Awards.
    The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, in association with ATB Financial, Alberta Works, and Community Futures, recognized 16 of the Valley’s top businesses and three of the top professionals.

The winners and nominees of the Business Excellence Award gathered for a photo at the end of the night. Five businesses received awards; The Atlas Coal Mine (Employer Choice), Lowleft Golf (Rookie Business), Sears Drumheller (Small Business and Business of the Year), 99.5 Drum FM (Medium Business), and Freson Bros. IGA (Large Business). Linda Digby, executive director of the Atlas was named Business Professional of the Year.

    “You want to reward the businesses that are trying hard and this is one way you can do it,” said John Shoff, president of the Drumheller Chamber. “There were some tough decisions there.”
    The first award of the night was the brand new Employer’s Choice Award, won by the Atlas Coal Mine.
    Linda Digby, executive director of the Atlas Coal Mine, also received the Business Professional of the Year Award.
    “It’s amazingly thrilling. It’s important to me that we have such a great place to work, because we sort of have an impossible job to look after so much history as a visitor supported centre. The only way we can do that is through the power of laughter and positive energy,” said Digby.
    Several of Drumheller’s newest businesses were also recognized. Lowleft Golf was awarded the Rookie Business of the Year Award. Made in the Shade and Dry Canyon Collectables were also nominated.
    “We’re very happy. We were honoured to be nominated and now to win the award. We want to thank the Chamber, ATB, and Community Futures for putting on an event that supports small business in Drumheller,” said David Schinnour, co-owner of Lowleft Golf.
    For the Large Business of the Year Award, McDonald’s, Canadian Tire, and Freson Bros. IGA were nominated. The selection committee chose Freson Bros. to win the award.
    “I’m just proud to accept the award on behalf of my team,” said Darryl Jacques, with Freson Bros.
    The Atlas Coal Mine, Foresight Vision Centre, and 99.5 Drum FM were nominated for the Medium Business of the Year Award. It was 99.5 Drum FM who took home the award.
    “It feels really good and heartwarming. It really makes us feel appreciated for what we do on a day-to-day basis. It’s great!” said Ryan Semchuck, station manager of 99.5 Drum FM.
    The Small Business of the Year Award went to Sears Drumheller. Sears was nominated alongside Sublime Food and Wine and Bits and Pieces Keepsake Quilting.
    Of the winners of the small, medium, and large awards, one was chosen as the overall winner. Sears Drumheller was chosen as Drumheller’s Business of the Year.
    “This blows me away. This is just really humbling and flattering. I’m flabbergasted. Thank you to everyone who was involved with nominating and judging,” said Mark Notland with Sears Drumheller.
    The Chamber is already looking ahead to the next Business Excellence Awards.
    “We’ve been getting feedback at ways we could improve for next year, like doing the awards every two years. We’ll keep building on it and make it an honour to be recognized,” said Shoff. “I would love to see more nominations, maybe even around 300 next year.”