Planning is underway to modernize and expand the medical device reprocessing space at the Drumheller Health Centre.
Benji Smith, press secretary of the Minister of Infrastructure, tells the Mail that the Medical Device Reprocessing department enhances surgical capacity by ensuring the sterilization of medical instruments in a safe and timely fashion.
“The goal of the expansion is to modernize the existing facility and increase space to accommodate the demands of a growing population,” says Smith.
The project will add 75 square metres of space and include the expansion of the decontamination, cart wash, assembly, and sterilization areas.
The project is in the planning phase, with design anticipated to start in the fall.
The project has a total budget of about $17.4 million and is slated to begin construction come 2027.

The Badlands Cruisers have been working hard to make the Boogie in the Badlands evolve into a premier car event, and this year, it is hoping to make it bigger and better.
The Boogie in the Badlands is going into its 27th year. It has evolved from a spring-thaw afternoon show and shine into a three-day event that attracts over 200 cars from throughout the province, with cruise events, live entertainment, and vendors.
“We have such a nice group of people who are willing to do stuff and go out on a limb, it’s great,” said one of the organizers, Barb Lubinski. “We are working very hard to grow it.”
On Saturday, May 24, Downtown Drumheller will be chock-a-block with rubber, chrome and, steel, featuring some of the best rides in the province. This show does not discriminate, and all makes and models are welcome, as well as whatever stage of your project might be at.
However, Saturday‘s show is much more than just cars, there will be music, food, and all kinds of fun. Registration starts at 9 a.m.
“We want to improve this, we have three times the number of vendors and a Farmer’s market,” Lubinski said.
The farmers market will be at the parking lot of the former Reptile World, which is being redeveloped.
There will also be a kids' corner.
“We have had a donation given to us of a couple of Hot Wheels tracks and about 300 Hot Wheels cars,” she said. “There will also be a face painter in the Kids area and Barney’s is going to bring some games and their dinosaur truck.”
Another attraction is the Drumheller RC playground, which will bring radio-controlled cars to the site. Competitors from Zeeb's Battle of the Techs, an annual engine-building competition, will be on site.
Also, don’t miss the Queen of the Badlands Pin Up Contest hosted by True North Pin Up Magazine.
One effort the club has made is to extend the event. On Friday, they will be having their cruise out to Wayne. The participants are forming on Friday, May 23, at 7th Avenue near DVSS.
“We have quite a few already signed up, and most of them are from out of town,” said Lubinski.
Participants will cruise out to Wayne, where there will be the traditional pig roast as well as other food. Alberta band The Confusionaires will be performing.
To bookend the event on Sunday, May 25, they will be having the Pancake Run.
“Anyone staying overnight can come out to East Coulee for the community pancake breakfast,” said Lubinski. “ It works out really well because you get to support that little community and see the east end of the valley.”