Downtown Drumheller merchants are reviewing ideas to attract more shoppers.

    
    Downtown merchants with an eye to the future had a successful meeting last Monday night.
    About 20 people representing business in the downtown core came out to Ivy’s Kitchen to discuss ideas concerning downtown.
    Last October, two signs were strategically placed in the downtown core inviting residents to make suggestions as to what they would like to see.
    These boards were on hand to start the conversation. Mike Todor of 3rd Avenue Arts facilitated the meeting and while there was not complete agreement on many issues or initiatives, not many were satisfied with status quo.
    “The point is we need people to wander in downtown,” said Todor.
    One point he was encouraged by was the willingness of neighboring businesses to work together. There was also agreement that no longer did downtown need to focus on summer weekends, but the full four-month tourism season, and be cognizant there are visitors year round.
    Some other ideas bandied at the meeting included standardizing minimum business hours. A recent survey showed that typically all businesses in the core were open in unison only within a two hour window.
    Another idea discussed was adding directories and directional signage within the core directing to stores and businesses.
    Todor said one positive outcome was the discussion allowed the group to assemble enough information to create an agenda for a second meeting to continue exploring ideas.
    “I felt there was positivity in how it went, it showed enthusiasm,” he said.

The 10th annual Knee Hockey Tournament during National Non-Smoking Week played out at Greentree School on Wednesday afternoon as students from Greentree, Delia and Morrin schools and the Drumheller Dragons had fun and learned about the health effects of tobacco.
inSide photo by Patrick Kolafa

Area students had fun and learned more about the risks of tobacco products on Wednesday morning at Greentree School.
    This was the 10th annual Knee Hockey Tournament involving Grade 6 students from Greentree School, Delia School and Morrin School. Alberta Health Services and the Drumheller Dragons joined them for a morning of good old fashion fun.
    At its heart was a message about the harmful effects of tobacco.
    Addictions councillor for     Alberta Health Services Martin McSween said the event is beneficial to his work.
    “This is an opportunity for me to work on prevention, it’s all about talking to them while they are young,” said McSween.
    He says the success of the event over the last decade is due to a number of factors. Getting the kids out for some physical activity in a noncompetitive spirit opens up their ears and minds. He chuckles that getting out of class in the morning helps too.
    The Drumheller Dragons’ presence is also a big help.
    “Hockey is cool in the community. There is a great connection to the Dragons, they get a great fan turnout,” he said.
    The Dragons helped facilitate the knee hockey games, making sure everyone is getting a chance to play and have fun. After the event, they also hold an autograph session with the students.
    Because the Dragons are aspiring athletes hoping to move on in their careers, McSween says it helps drive home the message of a healthy lifestyle.
    “They (students) make the connection, to be successful in sports, and if you like sports, tobacco doesn’t fit,” said McSween.
    This even coincides with National Non-Smoking week.  This year’s theme is  “Majority do.” McSween explained to the students gathered that while the tobacco industry has been successful in normalizing tobacco through advertising and its portrayal in media, the majority of people do live tobacco-free lives, have smoke-free vehicles and smoke-free homes.