The Town of Drumheller was successful in striking a deal with the Drumheller Institution that will see a fair rate for water and wastewater.
    For years the Town of Drumheller has been providing water and sewer service to the Drumheller Institution. However, the rates for the utility had not been renegotiated since 1978.
    In 2011, the institution was charged $0.726 per cubic metre of water and $0.43 for wastewater based on 80 per cent consumption. In the near future the penitentiary will be paying the same rates as Drumheller residents.
    Mayor Terry Yemen said they had achieved an agreement at the local level with the institution, and this week learned that it had been approved by Corrections Canada
    “It is going to be great for the people of Drumheller,” said Mayor Yemen.
    Mayor Terry Yemen said this could bring the town an additional savings of approximately $170,000 per year. Because the Town of Drumheller operates its plants as a self-sustaining utility this means it will add up to savings on the part of Drumheller rate payers.
    “It means that’s $170,000 that Drumheller residents won’t have to pay,” said Yemen.
    This week the Town of Drumheller will be voting on new water and wastewater rates.  Under the proposal, for water, the base rate for meter will go up by $0.50 to $10.50 for a standard residential meter and the water rate will go from $1.32 per cubic metre to $1.36 per cubic metre. The wastewater base rate will go up to $11.50 and the rate per cubic metre will go up to $1.85, based on 80 per cent consumption.
    Yemen said these new rates were formulated in light of the additional funds coming from the new rates.
    “It kept it reasonable, that’s for sure, and it will help in years to come,” said Yemen.
    He added with the expansion of the Drumheller Institution, it could lead to more consumption, and that could help the town’s bottom line.
    “The more we sell, the better we can keep the price, so there may be more of a spin off from this,” said Yemen.
    The Drumheller Institution will pay the same rates for water and wastewater and will be classified as a Group 3 Meter, with a base cost of $490 per month for water and $278 for wastewater, if the new rates are approved.

It’s been a long wait.
    Residents had heard that by the end of August 2011 they would be in the Badlands Community Facility.
    When that time frame came and went, it was changed to the end November. Then the end of December. Then by the end of February.
    But, the light is now at the end of the tunnel. The Town of Drumheller has officially announced the new opening date of the facility as March 12, 2012.
    “We are excited to announce the opening day. A lot of hard work and patience from volunteers, staff, and the community will finally be realized,” said Guy Latour, business manager of the facility. “It’s going to have a huge impact on the community and we can’t wait to unveil and showcase it.”
    The vast majority of construction is complete, only minor work in the library, banquet hall, and kitchen remains to be finished.
    The Town of Drumheller began joint occupancy in the building nearly a month ago and have since been busy assembling furniture and equipment, and training on the different aspects of the building.
    “The staff are excited,” said marketing and events officer, Heather Little. “There is some work left to be done in terms of training, but they’ll be ready by March 9.”
    March 9, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., residents who pre-purchased their memberships will get to redeem their certificates and tour the building.
    “It gives the members who have pre-purchased the extra value of not having to wait to do redeem their certificate and to tours through the building,” said Little.
    On March 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the building will be open to residents to purchase memberships, tour the building, and participate in a wide range of different activities.
    Residents can also get a sneak peak at the building on March 7, between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., during the Sports, Recreation, and Arts Expo.
    The expo is the place to see what the community has to offer in terms of activities. Residents can browse and sign up for over 40 different activities.
    “It’s a valuable event to host,” said Little. “It allows all the organizations in the valley and area to come together and show what experiences they have to offer.”