One of Drumheller’s main attractions and a key driver of local economic activity is being refurbished in time for its upcoming 20th anniversary, thanks in part to a federal investment of $200,000 through the Canadian Experiences Fund.

The World’s Largest Dinosaur (WLD), an iconic attraction in the heart of the Drumheller Valley, will undergo a scenic transformation of its exterior over the next month—ensuring it remains a key attraction for the Canadian Badlands.

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After thorough consideration, the Celebration of Excellence Committee, consisting of representatives from the Drumheller Rotary Club, Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, Town of Drumheller and Travel Drumheller, has made the difficult decision to officially cancel the Celebration of Excellence for 2020.

Initially planned for June 11, the event was put on pause with the hopes of rescheduling in the fall. However, the event has an expected attendance of over 200 people and there is still uncertainty over whether or not an indoor event of this size and nature could be held in the fall. Various options to hold the event virtually were explored, but committee members agreed that this particular event has a much greater impact for the community when all can gather and celebrate in person.

When the pandemic started, our restaurants were among the first and hardest hit. Despite their own challenges, they worked hard to support communities, those in need, and find new and innovative ways to safely serve customers. But despite this, many of our restaurants aren’t sure if they’ll be able to keep going – the numbers just don’t work when so many tables are empty and new costs are so high.

Just as our restaurants have always been there for important moments in our lives, now we need to be here for them.

Your local Chamber of Commerce had another busy Small Business Week!

As some of you may recall, in 2019 Chamber staff Heather and I visited our members with Ronald McDonald House cookies, got informed and shared our own updates. Because that went so well, this year we repeated our visits (with pre-packaged candy instead of cookies) and managed to visit 74 businesses and nonprofits over the course of 4 days. Once again, we learned a lot as we toured new buildings and offices, met employees, answered questions on COVID-19 programs, heard about inventory issues and staffing shortages, and more. If we didn’t get to your business or if you do not have a storefront and would like to catch up with us (and get a candy bag) please contact us! We would love to hear from you.

On November 12 the Government of Alberta announced additional health measures in light of the continual rise of COVID-19 cases in the province:

'Starting Nov. 13, all restaurants, bars, lounges and pubs in regions under enhanced status must cease liquor sales by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m. The restriction will remain in place until Nov. 27.

There will also be a two-week ban on indoor group fitness classes, team sport activities and group performance activities in Edmonton and surrounding areas, Calgary and surrounding areas, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Lethbridge.

Additional public health measures will also be implemented in all regions under an enhanced status. These measures will be in place until further notice: