The Drumheller Police Committee has a goal of making policing in Drumheller reflective of the community’s needs, and is going to the public to learn more.
    The committee has been active and wants to learn from those whom the police serve, what they believe should be priorities.
    “It is keeping with our mandate of looking for input,” said committee chair Fred Makowecki.
    Because the Drumheller RCMP Detachment also provides service to rural areas, they are holding their next regular meeting in Delia, as well as an open house on November 10.
    On November 24, they will be holding an open house at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre in the AV Room to look at priorities and solicit input.
    Makowecki said the committee was successful in getting out to meet with the community at the annual partnership fair last June. They received about 50 completed surveys on what residents felt were priorities in the community.
    To continue to build this mine of information, they have decided to post a short survey on the Town of Drumheller website for residents of the town and area to simply fill out to help determine the next year of policing priorities.
    To find the survey, simply go to www.dinosaurvalley.com. The policing survey is under the 'Town Services' tab.

    Small business in downtown Drumheller remains vibrant despite changing economic tides.
    While many cores ebb and flow with economic challenges, downtown Drumheller appears to be holding its own.
    According to Connie Tremblay of downtown Drumheller, the merchant’s association is about 33 strong and have come off a successful summer of events. These include Motorcycle Madness, and most recently Alberta Arts Day celebrations, to name a few. Right now, they are gearing up for the Downtown Trick or Treat.
    “The events are a draw to get people to come down, which is great for business,” said Tremblay.
    She said this is successful because it is a collaboration. Each business can contribute to the event, and benefit, rather than going alone. Each merchant can also draw on the expertise and experience of its neighbour to make it a success.
    One of the rules of business is competition. Tremblay refers to MLA Doug Griffith’s presentation called “13 Ways to Kill Your Community.”
    “He says how important it is to have that competition. People want that competition. Some say, ‘Why should I move downtown, because there are already two coffee shops?’ Why not three coffee shops?” she said.
    The efforts to keep the downtown community strong continue. Right now, they are in the midst of a heritage inventory, with hopes of working towards becoming part of the Mainstreet Program. The Centennial of Coal Mining committee is working on erecting a memorial to fallen miners, and the idea of creating a town centre is still on the agenda.
    The Town of Drumheller is also taking a very serious look at moving back to the core.
    “Once the town office is downtown, I think it is definitely going to be a benefit. It is going to establish a core. When people stop off at town hall, they will be right there, and can shop,” said Tremblay.
    “There really is a lot going on.”