Finding rental accommodations in the Town of Drumheller can be a challenge, with the rental vacancy rate hovering around zero per cent, and this can be an even bigger hurdle for those looking for short term accommodations, such as seasonal and other temporary workers.
To help combat this housing need, Community Futures Big Country along with its partners, the Town of Drumheller, Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, and Travel Drumheller are gauging whether there is potential interest amongst residents in the Drumheller and Starland County region for a home share option.
“Coming out of the Town of Drumheller Housing Survey and the Travel Drumheller Destination Development Plan, short-term housing for employees was identified as an issue in the region,” shares Community Futures Big Country executive director Alison Roppel.
Community engagement, which includes information about home sharing and a brief survey, was launched on Tuesday, August 1; the survey is open to both residents looking to potentially become a host, and those looking for accommodations.
If there is enough interest, it is hoped the project could help bridge a gap for both employers who are struggling to fill positions with local residents, and provide secure accommodations for employees coming from outside the Drumheller-Starland County region. While the focus currently is on seasonal and summer employment, Ms. Roppel says this is a program which could be available on a year-round basis for short-term stays.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs has appointed an administrator for the Village of Carbon to take on the powers and duties of the council until quorum is restored.
In a letter from the Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Mr. Douglas Henderson has been appointed official administrator to assume council duties.
“As you are likely aware, village council is composed of five elected officials. Between the dates of June 6 and July 26, three members of council have resigned,” states the letters. “Under the Municipal Government Act, this has resulted in a loss of quorum. As a result, the remaining members of council do not have the legislative authority to make decisions or take any actions.”
Mr. Henderson will be working with the village’s Chief Administrative Officer to ensure critical village operations continue.
Mr. Henderson has been appointed until October 13, 2023, or until quorum has been restored.
“Until quorum has been restored, the two remaining council members have no authority to exercise any powers or duties or a council committee, to attend any meeting on behalf of council, to speak on behalf of the village or to direct any staff,” the letter notes.
Further, McIver notes, “I encourage eligible electors to consider running as candidates for village council positions. Municipal councils are critical to the viability of municipalities and provide essential leadership for local decision making.”