The first step of realizing a Main Street Program in Drumheller is going ahead, as a historical inventory of the town is underway.
The town has contracted Donald Luxton and Associates to conduct the inventory. The heritage consultant completing the inventory is Laura Pasacreta. The goal is to identify 50 buildings to be considered as heritage buildings. These buildings are not limited to just downtown, but the whole community.
“It is about preserving our history. In creating an inventory, we are saying these are buildings that are representative of our past,” said downtown businessman Mike Todor. “They may not necessarily be the prettiest buildings in our town. A miner’s shack might be a heritage building because he is representative of our past.”
Todor is planning to participate in the project if his building, which was built by legendary coal magnate Jesse Gouge, is accepted. He sees many positives for building owners to participate.
“If you need to do some work on the building, you can get some funding to assist you with the work,” said Todor. “They will pay a portion of it.”
He admits that some property owners have not signed on. One of the goals is to have the building remain representative of its history. If an owner signs on to the project and wants to access funds for conservation, they would have to make sure they maintain the appearance of the building.
“If you are in the program, there are some restrictions on the exterior itself,” said Todor.
The Heritage designation is intact even if the property changes hands. The new owner would have to abide by the restrictions.
“If someone buys a heritage building, I would think the person would be enthused rather than want to do away with it,” said Todor.
Todor explains that this is the first step for the community to join the Main Street Program. A Main Street Program came through Drumheller about two decades ago. He said the program has changed since, and rather than simply refurbishing the buildings and walking away, this is a three year program that carries on and includes a social component that is geared to keep the town vibrant.
The inventory has a cost of $50,000, which has been sponsored by the Town of Drumheller, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures.
There is an open house on Tuesday, October 18 at the civic centre.
“At the open house we will be discussing what the program is about and to let people know what is happening,” said Todor.
