Long-time resident and volunteer Crystal Jensen is hoping to make a difference on the Drumheller Town Council.  
    Jensen is one of ten candidates running for Town Council.
    “I’ve volunteered for a lot of different things over the years and while there, parents talk. A lot of the times it’s complaining about things in town. I think I can make a difference,” said Jensen.
    Should she be elected, Jensen wants to bolster Drumheller’s small business sector and encourage more businesses to set up shop.
    “I want to promote and support small businesses in Drumheller.  A lot of people leave town to do their shopping. We could look at more incentives for small businesses to stay open longer in the year,” said Jensen.
    In particular, she wants to explore possibilities to help single mothers find jobs that help balance their professional goals and families.
    “I’m a single mom and if you want to find a job in Drumheller, as a single mom, you won’t find one that helps you reach your goals. Unless you have extreme seniority, you’ll be working nights and weekends,” said Jensen.
    Jensen also wants to see more activities and places for children and teens in the community.
    “We need places for kids to go. There’s the Youth Centre, which just opened and is great, and there is the skatepark coming, but I think we need to do more for kids,” said Jensen.
    Jensen moved to Drumheller with her family 11 years ago from Vancouver. During that time she has volunteered with many organizations, including the Drumheller Scouts, Library Board, and various sports.
    She hopes to be able to talk to more residents and listen to their ideas on how to make Drumheller better.
    “With the rest of council, I feel I can make a difference and bring a unique view,” said Jensen. “I encourage people to come tell me what they want from the town. Let’s get some ideas from the community. Come and talk to me anytime you see me.”

    Drumheller is once again in the international spotlight. Earlier this week, the Canadian Badlands were featured as one of Canada’s “50 Places of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler in partnership with the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Drumheller and the Badlands were named one of Canada’s “50 Places of a Lifetime,” by National Geographic Traveler earlier this week. The Badlands were among an esteemed list of locations across Canada, such as Prince Edward Island, Niagra Falls, and the Rockies. Drumheller’s dinosaur history was highlighted, including the annual DinoFest celebration.

    The list also contains locales from across Canada, such as Prince Edward Island, Niagra Falls, and a few towns and parks in the Rockies.
    The entry for the Badlands includes Drumheller to Dinosaur Provincial Park to the southeast. In Drumheller, it highlights attractions such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum and World’s Largest Dinosaur, and the unique Last Chance Saloon in Wayne. It also recommends early June as a good time to come, so that visitors can catch the annual DinoFest celebration.
    “We’re very impressed with the content and imagery. We expect international travellers will be over the moon with Canada,” said William Harding, manager for emerging markets at the Canadian Tourism Commission.
    The list will be used to help market Canada internationally.
    “Some of the experiences in the Canadian Badlands, like Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, we work with all the time. We’re going to shine a light on them and do a big international marketing push,” said Harding.
    The list was compiled for National Geographic’s first digital super magazine. For each location there are stories and practical travel information.
    “This is a celebration of all that is Canada,” said Keith Bellows, editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler. “For anyone planning a trip to Canada, this massive digital content is a must read.”
    The complete list can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com/canada50.
    “It’s huge bragging rights for the destinations and communities that made the list. It will be part of a bigger endeavour that will see us promote Canada quite heavily around the world,” said Harding.