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Last updateSat, 21 Sep 2024 12pm

Provincial funding bolsters Canadian Badlands initiative

Michael James
The Drumheller Mail

    Canadian Badlands Ltd. is embarking on a new marketing campaign to help bolster tourism numbers across the Alberta Badlands after receiving a massive financial boost from the Alberta government.
    For Drumheller, it is hoped the campaign will help send more tourists through the dinosaur capital of Canada.
    “It’s an aggressive marketing campaign for the badlands and is going to be a good thing for us. I had a chance to see a snippet of the campaign and it looks pretty good from what I saw,” said Mayor Terry Yemen.
    The Drumheller Town Council had concerns over the marketing direction of Canadian Badlands. Mayor Yemen felt any future campaigns should have a more prominent Drumheller presence.
    In addition to Drumheller, Canadian Badlands serves over 60 other communities in southeastern Alberta, including Brooks, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Rosebud, and Vulcan.
    The Alberta government is investing $550,000 to support  a collaborative tourism model led by Canadian Badlands Ltd.  The investment includes a $250,000 grant for the administration and operation of Canadian Badlands. The money will support the development of themed touring routes, attractions, outdoor recreation, and more.
    The investment will also help Canadian Badlands deploy the new marketing campaign created by TAXI, an advertising agency with offices in Calgary.
    “Tourism is everyone’s business,” said Doug Jones, President of Canadian Badlands. “With everyone collaborating, we have an extraordinary opportunity to generate economic activity and tourism development in southern Alberta. We are working together to make the Canadian Badlands the next iconic destination in Alberta.”
    The funding for the investment was provided through the Alberta Tourism Levy, a four per cent levy collected by hotels, lodges, and other temporary accommodations.
    “Tourism diversifies our economy and offers tremendous potential for growth and this is certainly true in the Canadian Badlands,” said Dr. Richard Starke, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “Communities and industry are working together to enhance the profile and appeal of the region by encouraging investment, employment and development, and we are proud to support their efforts.”

FCSS considers creation of Drumheller Boys and Girls Club

Michael James
inSide Drumheller

    Work has begun to bring one of the world’s most widespread youth programs to Drumheller.
    Drumheller Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is working with the Boys and Girls Club of Canada to bring the program here.
    “FCSS has been working with the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, especially the one in Airdrie, to identify potential programming in Drumheller. We’ve been looking at what they do in other communities to get an idea of what is possible here,” said Drumheller FCSS coordinator Cathy Smoliak.
    At the moment, FCSS is hoping to receive feedback from community members as to what they would like to see in a Drumheller Boys and Girls Club.
    “We’d like to have feedback from individuals and youth on programming and events. What would they like to see? We’re willing to explore what we can do at this point,” said Smoliak.
    “They had some great leadership programs that can be developed in any community. The great thing about them is they’re not delivered in any specific format to kids. The children and youth help develop it based on their interests.”
    The goal of such a program would be to provide a safe, supportive place for youth to experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop competence and skills for life.
    It is hoped a Boys and Girls Club would fill a perceived gap in youth programs in Drumheller.
    “There is a need for more youth programming. We’re exploring that further, so we can implement programs of interest to our youth,” said Smoliak.
    Some suggestions already received include summer camps, day camps for holidays, and events during professional development days.
    Those wishing to learn more or offer feedback are encouraged to call Smoliak at 403-823-1315 or Jeannie Lutz, Community Services Coordinator, at 403-823-1365.

Cardiac Rehab dept. feels budget pinch

No department avoided the Alberta government’s budget without feeling the pinch, and that includes Alberta Health Services (AHS). These cuts have had far reaching effects and are even felt right here at the Drumheller Health Centre.  The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is taking steps to minimize wear and tear and save electricity on their treadmills and other equipment by what AHS is calling “aggregated occupational exertion” or treadmill sharing. It has taken a few weeks for patients to synchronize their stepping and they have had one minor injury, which was exacerbated by a patient attempting to use a walking stick. Right now, they are waiting to receive specially designed exercise bikes with multiple seats and pedals. (l-r) Cardiac Rehab head Colleen MacDonald coaches Fred Minor, Cathy Clift, Betty Eremko and Cliff Deitz in their work out regime. And if you have read this far into the story, we hope you realize this is an April Fool’s Joke.

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