Drumheller Town Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Monday, June 19, 2017
The meeting started off with an annual update from the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce.
Shelley Rymal and Marley Henneigh were present as well as President Brock Harrington and Executive Director Heather Bitz to explain the report.
Of noticeable increase, 11 members currently sit on the board with 3.5 per cent increase in membership since last year. For building relationships, calls and emails are made as well as reach on social media with 691 Twitter Followers and 635 Likes on Facebook.
The chamber representatives also noted they look forward to more conversation about policies. Memberships are now recognized on provincial and national levels.
Bitz attended a policy conference where several discussions were commenced based on topics like Bill 17, the Fair and Friendly Workplaces Act.
29 policy resolutions were presented by local Chambers of Commerce which were timely to the business community. The trade show contract has also now been extended to 2020.
For this year’s Canada Day Parade they will continue with the new route and the Jurassic Classic golf tournament will be happening on August 18 with prizes and more. October is the busiest month with the election forum in addition to the Lunch N’ Learn gathering and Business Excellence Awards Gala held during small business week.
The World’s Largest Dinosaur which opened in fall of 2000, is up 12.5 per cent with 15 per cent of funds from admission and gift store purchases going towards the legacy fund. Last week the DDCC installed video cameras to watch the dinosaur at all times. Visitor Information Centre is accredited to promote all businesses despite chamber membership.
A new addition to statistics being collected at the Information Centre is a referral to accommodation as well as facilitating (booking) residents. An outdoor Kiosk will be set up Tuesdays and Thursdays at the information centre and a survey will be conducted using iPads during those times to see what else people wish to see in the valley to make them stick around longer. They are teaming up with Canalta to sweeten the deal by giving away prizes.
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Next, council moved onto the Aquaplex renovations update explained by Director of Infrastructure Darryl Drohmerski.
The construction initially started on May 1 with a two week shutdown. As of today, the completion is at 15 per cent. The reason for such a slow start was due to painting. Once the painting is finished, then much more work can ensue to speed up the process. Painting is 60 per cent. 80 per cent done is the sauna and change rooms which should be completed by next week. The Pool deck is ready to be extracted which is scheduled to happen at the end of June.
After Canada day, four to five weeks will be dedicated to insulation. Completion is still on track with a date set for on or before September 29.
Little finds can be found when opening up an older building, but so far cost is minimal and will help visitors in the end.
One large example of this is the Steam Room. It has now been moved with retrofits. They determined that the original steam room was in fact a humidifier system rather than steam room proper piece of equipment. In the long run, lots of energy will be saved and it cleans itself every night so staff doesn’t have to.
Swimming pool staff have been taking pictures for Facebook or Twitter to follow the changes. As well, a time lapse camera will be set up to link into social media.
Contractors show up on a bi-weekly scheduled basis to be in the know and keep things running smoothly and on schedule. Drohomerski reminded Council that the crew is also cognizant of customers in the high season of July and August.
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Lastly, this year’s Canada Day schedule was explained by Community Director Paul Salvatore.
He thanked the chamber for putting on the parade and noted new family fun items like six new inflatables including a 95 obstacle course, Zorb Ball Race Track, Bungee Run, and more.
A magician is expected to be running around Drumheller during the day and Council will cut the cake at 6:00 p.m.
Entertainment starts at noon and the largest display of fireworks yet will begin at 11:00 p.m. Some Canada 150 swag like temporary tattoos and such will be handed out throughout the day.