Starland County has expressed interest in operating the Tolman Bridge campground.
Starland CAO Shirley Bremer tells the Mail that Starland County has forwarded an expression of interest to Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) to operate the campgrounds. Starland owns a portion of the land within the campground area.
“This campground was one of the many on the chopping block by AEP last spring, that was intended for closure and/or for sale/rent,” she said. “The County was sent notice of these intentions by the government last February and we quickly contacted them to discuss our interest in this property. This was fuelled by both the concerns brought forward by our residents and also the concern and interest that Starland County has in this campground.”
Like many other projects, COVID-19 changed the circumstances. Bremer explains the province chose to operate the campground last season starting in June, delaying the closure.
She said talks about campgrounds in the province have begun again.
The County wanted to reinforce our interest in taking over this campground if the province chose to close it,” she said. “If we are successful in obtaining this site, our intentions are to continue operating it as a campground area with similar rules and regulations as were previously applied. This is a beautiful park area and is very busy most of the camping season.”
She notes that Kneehill County also has expressed an interest in operating the campground on the west side of the river.
“AEP has kept contact with us through this period of time and advised that they will keep us in the loop as to the government's intentions in this regard. Tentative plans have been made in regards to management and maintenance of this area should we be successful in obtaining the management and control,” said Bremer.

The Salvation Army is hoping for strong support for its annual Red Bag Food Drive on Thursday evening, facing a year that the church has seen great demand for its services.
Volunteers will be forming up in muster points throughout the community at 6 p.m., November 26, to comb neighbourhoods to pick up donations on the doorsteps of residents in red bags, which were distributed to the community in the November 11 edition of The Drumheller Mail.
Captain Ben Lippers of The Salvation Army says there has been a marked increase in demand this year. In fact, the number of hampers provided this year exceeds last year’s total, and that does not include the Christmas season.
‘We’re at about 900 right now,” said Lippers. Last year the Salvation Army distributed 739 hampers, including 176 during the Christmas season.
He adds there are 88 new households in Drumheller using the services of The Salvation Army.
Muster points include the Newcastle Community Hall, Nacmine Community Hall, The bottle depot, Midland Community Hall, Oasis Car Wash, DVSS parking lot, the parking lot of Court House, The Brick parking lot, Rosedale Hall, and Greentree School.
The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign was launched on Friday, November 20. The kettles, which provide The Salvation Army with the funds they need to run programs year-round, are at Freson Bros, Walmart, ExtraFoods, and Ace Liquor.
This year The Salvation Army has a goal of raising $37,000 but is hopeful the community will come out in support in this very difficult year. Those wishing to donate online can go to www.fillthekettle.com. An online donation uses your postal code and will direct your donation to local projects.
The Salvation Army requires volunteers to fill kettle shifts. These are typically two to two and a half-hour shifts. To volunteer, call 403-823-2215.
The Salvation Army Tree of Toys campaign will also be a little bit different. The Tree of Toys will now be at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. This is where residents can grab a tag from the tree to purchase a gift. In previous years, the tree was at Westergard Ford however, because of COVID-19, they are not able to host the tree. They will remain a drop-off spot for the donations.
Those who are not able to pick a tag from the tree can find a list of gifts needed on the Westergard Ford Facebook Page, the Salvation Army Facebook page, www.drumsa.org, or simply by calling the Salvation Army at 402-823-2215.