Drumheller's new Fish & Wildlife Officer starting March 26 duties will include checking fishing licenses at lakes and along the Red Deer River.

The province has hired a Fish and Wildlife Officer for the Drumheller district.
    Officer Jeff Zimmer starts  in Drumheller March 26, and he’ll be covering a district that serves the communities of Drumheller, Three Hills, Trochu, Morrin, Munson, Carbon and Michichi.
    Originally a conservation officer from Saskatchewan, Zimmer has a number of years experience, and been with Alberta Fish & Wildlife since 2008, serving the Pincher Creek and Medicine Hat areas.  
    “I am excited to take over as the new District Officer and work with other community and county agencies to protect our resources and help keep the residents of this district safe,” said Zimmer.
    Zimmer will also be working with fellow Fish and Wildlife officers in   Strathmore, Hanna and Olds, whose areas share borders with the Drumheller District.

Old cast iron water pipes downtown are being replaced in Drumheller. The project may get a boost this year if it qualifies for the new $400 million provincial funding announced March 6 by Municipal Affairs. (photo is Drumheller's Centre Street looking toward 3 Avenue).

The province’s Municipal Affairs department announced today it is adding $400 million in project funding available to cities and towns for projects such as road building, bridge repairs, and sewer upgrades.
    The province said the money for municipalities is over and above the $1.6 billion for 2014/15 they have already committed to municipalities.
    Municipal Affairs Minister Diana McQueen said municipalities will be contacted shortly with details  on how to apply for the funds, which are being distributed under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, known as the MSI fund.
    The Minister is aware municipalities have tenders out for various projects, and says providing the funds now may help towns and cities take advantage of competitive pricing form the private sector for their projects.
    In addition, the Minister said the more than $11 million already committed in total project funding will remain unchanged.
    Alberta Urban Municipalities Association representative Buck Buchanan said the announcement is absolutely great news.
    “We all know what MSI means to our municipalities.”
    Minister McQueen said the funds are a strategic infrastructure investment in important projects for municipalities, and an investment from the province in the economy and job growth.
    The Minister also noted “Municipalities know we have a tough budget ahead of us.”
    The Town of Drumheller is reviewing the information from the province to see how it will benefit local infrastructure projects.