January is a time for families to reinforce the importance of reading in their lives during Family Literacy Day.
The Drumheller Community Learning Society is once again marking the occasion on Saturday, January 27. This year is special as it will be the 25th year that the event has been staged.
“We’re encouraging families and groups across the country to help celebrate 25 years of Family Literacy Day by throwing a family party of their own. Learning as a family not only helps to build strong literacy skills for both adults and children, but it also strengthens family bonds and ties,” says Alison Howard, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada.
Literacy Coordinator in Drumheller Louise Henrickson says while Drumheller has not participated in all 25 years, it has become an important date in their schedule.
This year they are celebrating with a family carnival. It will be at the Badlands Community Facility from 2 -4 p.m. Participants can read and write their way through the carnival to a gold medallion.
For those who can’t make it out that weekend, discover these great ways to celebrate with your family at home. Go to https://abclifeliteracy.ca/all-programs/family-literacy-day/

At the January 22, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, council approved the tax-supported 2024 Operating Budget of $22,348,727, with a municipal requisition of $9,962,718 and an operating reserve of $1,202,132. This is a 4 per cent increase in tax revenue and is down from the previous 4.8 per cent increase in 2023.
Of the $22.3 million Operating Budget, 33 per cent will go to paying the Salaries and Benefits of the Town of Drumheller’s (TOD) employees. Approximately 25 per cent of the more than $22.3 million budget goes to requisitions like the RCMP, The Drumheller and District Senior’s Foundation and Alberta Education. The Drumheller Fire Department will receive $66,500 for new supplies and tools needed. Grants and Organizations will receive $372,195, with the Drumheller Public Library receiving $223,438 of that amount, staying within the 4% increase.
“Administration has worked hard to produce a budget that is prudent and equitable during a time of increased costs brought on by inflation, all of which have an impact on the Towns operations,” states Councillor Tony Lacher in the Drumheller Media Release on Tuesday January 22, 2024. “The proposed increase has been reduced to a level that we, as Council, are satisfied with, considering the economic conditions that we continue to face.”
Compared to other Municipalities budgets, that average a 5.7 per cent increase, The Town of Drumheller has managed to create opportunities to lower costs while still maintaining balance within the 4 per cent increase.