While the Town of Drumheller is literally weeks away from beginning to move to its  new downtown location, there still are some nagging misconceptions on how the project is being funded.
    It has been more than two years in the making, however renovations to the former Civic Centre and library are nearing completion. The newly renovated facility addresses a number of concerns about the current Town Hall. The renovated Civic Centre is modern by comparison and is handicapped accessible.
    Mayor Terry Yemen is hoping to address some of what he terms “confusion,” mostly from the funding for the renovation and move.

Mayor Terry Yemen

    “The cost for the project is approximately $2 million; one and a half of which is provincial grant funding that has been earmarked for this project,” he explains. “Approximately $450,000 has been put in the Town of Drumheller’s budget, so there is no borrowing to complete the project.”
     He goes on to explain there are a number of reasons the move makes sense, including the fact the current town hall is not owned by the Town of Drumheller, but by the provincial government.
    “The Town has outgrown this building, it doesn’t have adequate storage or office space; there are safety and building code violations and it is not handicapped accessible.”
    It would be too costly to modernize the building.
    “It has a costly heating and air conditioning system and the building is far from energy efficient. The building has asbestos in it which will have to be dealt with before any renovations could be started, which is a very costly process.”
    “To bring the building up to code and provide handicapped accessibility would cost in the neighbourhood of $800,000- $900,000 for a building the Town does not own.”
    Yemen also points out the merits of having Town Hall in downtown Drumheller versus a residential section of town.
    “The Hall will be located in the business centre of Drumheller which will no doubt help in the revitalization of downtown Drumheller,” he said.
    He feels the town’s $450,000 portion of the investment is sound.
    “The building is much more energy efficient than the current location, which will result in a savings of utility costs,” he said.
    The Town is hoping to begin the move next month.

Check out our Facebook page here for photos of the new addition!

    On Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m., the Drumheller Dino Arts committee will unveil a new and unique dinosaur next to The Brick, near the site of the old Apatosaurus that was demolished two years ago.

    The committee is keeping the design of the new dinosaur shrouded in mystery.
    “It’s similar, but not anything like the one we put in last year. It’s interactive and I think people will find it really cool,” said John Shoff, chair of the Dino Arts Committee. “They’ll just have to come see it.”
    Afterwards, there will be a barbecue until 2 p.m. Proceeds will go towards the Dino Arts Committee.
    It is estimated the new dinosaur cost $16,000. The money was raised through considerable fundraising efforts and the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce.
    “It’s mostly through community fundraising and the Chamber of Commerce matched us, dollar for dollar,” said Shoff.
    This will be the second new dinosaur installed in downtown in as many years. The hope is the new dinosaurs will bring tourists downtown.

The Dino Arts Committee is set to unveil a new dinosaur downtown on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. The design of the new dinosaur is being kept a closely guarded secret, but the Committee is certain it will impress residents of Drumheller and tourists alike. The new dinosaur will be installed in The Brick parking lot.

    “It’s been a really good thing. It seems like there are constantly tourists out there, taking pictures on the bench,” said Shoff.
    The Dino Arts committee is also planning on repairing the older dinosaurs.
    “We’ve been diligent about fundraising and doing repairs on the old guys,” said Shoff. “There were some that got vandalized and broken over the winter. We’ve got our team doing some repairs, so they’ll be ready to be painted right away.”
    One area the Dino Arts needs assistance is for artistic residents and groups to help give the aging dinosaurs around Drumheller a new paint job.
    “We can set people up with the tools and paint they need, so they can paint their own dino. We’d be happy to have any volunteers out painting,” said Shoff.
    Volunteers willing to paint can contact Shoff at 403-823-2983 or the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce at 403-823-8100.