The Town of Drumheller has been granted additional funding by the Alberta government to support the installation of runway lights at the Drumheller Municipal Airport.
Mayor Heather Colberg announced during the regular Tuesday, August 2 council meeting the Town had received a letter from Minister of Transportation Prasad Panda informing them of the additional funding.
“The Town received an additional $152,051 that will go towards completion of the airport rehabilitation project,” Mayor Colberg shared during the meeting.
In April, council awarded only the paving portion of the project as the bid for lighting came in over $200,000 higher than the approved $144,000 budget.
Both the paving and lighting projects are supported through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program - Community Airport Program (STIP - CAP) with the province supporting 75 per cent of the cost, and the municipality responsible for the remaining 25 per cent.
Paving was completed between June 1 and July 15, and included installation of a new drainage system, removal of unstable base material, and repainting of runway, apron, and taxiway markings.
“Since the lighting equipment became unrepairable in 2019, no night operations have been allowed,” shared airport manager Pat Bonneville.
He noted this has also impacted operations during poor visibility conditions, such as rain, snow, fog and dust, which can also occur during the day.
Lighting has also impacted Alberta Health Services (AHS) ability to perform patient transfers from the Drumheller Health Centre, and fuel sales have also been impacted as pilots opt to bypass the Drumheller airport at night for refuelling, and families who may otherwise fly in to watch a Drumheller Dragons game have to decide whether to miss a game or prepare for an overnight stay.

Horseshoe Canyon was buzzing with activity over the weekend with two events hosted by Kneehill County-the Growing Kneehill Long Table Dinner was held on Friday, August 12 and the Country Market farmer’s market was held the following day on Saturday, August 13.
This is the first dinner and farmer’s market event Kneehill County has hosted at Horseshoe Canyon after a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Kneehill County Reeve Jerry Wittstock says he is very excited to have it return.
“We have an opportunity to showcase the county, for economic development and to be known” Reeve Wittstock tells the Mail.
Reeve Wittstock adds, while most of the marketing and advertising for the event has been on the Kneehill County website, at the last dinner the county hosted there were people attending from British Columbia and as far away as California.
The dinner on Friday night highlighted locally sourced foods prepared by top chefs, paired with locally sourced beverages while enjoying the breathtaking views of Horseshoe Canyon. On Saturday, the Country Market also gave local vendors the opportunity to showcase their wares.
Reeve Wittstock adds, when the event has been held in the past, the county has received positive feedback from both vendors and attendees, and many of the vendors are excited to return.
“We have entrepreneurs and businesses in Kneehill County, who serve the county and (surrounding) area. We want to keep them viable, to keep and expand their businesses,” Reeve Wittstock said, adding the county is hoping to make this an annual event.