Drumheller Town council awarded the tender for the 2025 Street Improvement Program (SIP) to Grindstone Paving and Excavation Ltd during the regular Monday, April 7, which will see several roadways and sidewalks in the Newcastle community undergo repairs and improvements.
The total bid amount of $529,720.43, excluding GST, came in under the original 2025 SIP budget by $355,414.59, and council approved the allocation of the remaining portion of the budget towards the 6 Avenue extension project to connect the intersection near Freson Bros. to Downtown Drumheller via an extension road; this will ensure completion of this project without needing to draw from the Town’s reserves.
While the original 2025 SIP included provisions to complete resurfacing all Newcastle neighbourhood roadways, it was determined that the project, as originally planned, would be too ambitious and result in budget overages. As a result, five key areas were identified in need of improvement–Newcastle Trail from 10 Street to Riverside Avenue, and 12 Street from Newcastle Trail to its end.
Along with roadway work, paving will also be completed on several pathways in the community, including along the Riverside Walkway from the asphalt termination to Riverside Drive, from the end of the Rails to Trails pathway between 5 Street and Highway 9 to the crosswalk, and the Midland Bridge/Kohut Crossing pathway.
Due to the overall change in project scope for the 2025 SIP, the Town was able to reallocate surplus funds towards the 6 Avenue extension project.
Council awarded this project to East Butte Contracting Ltd as the only compliant tender bid for $1,688,014.59, excluding GST, to complete the full scope of work. The project initially had an approved budget of $1.4 million in the Town’s 2025 Capital budget; the surplus will allow the project to be completed without drawing from Town reserves.
Additionally, the Town has applied for grant funding through the Alberta Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) for $400,000. If approved, this grant funding would minimize the Town’s need to use the 2025 SIP surplus.

Following the announcement that the World’s Largest Dinosaur (WLD) will close at the end of its lease in 2029, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber), the Town of Drumheller (the Town) and Travel Drumheller have come together to begin a collaborative planning process for the future of this beloved attraction.

The three organizations have taken the first step in working together to explore options at an initial meeting held earlier this week. The goal over the coming years is to continue welcoming visitors while planning thoughtfully for the future.

With almost five years remaining, this marks a shared commitment to working together in both the short and long term to actively research, evaluate, and action collective solutions that honour the World’s Largest Dinosaur’s legacy and support a strong future for Drumheller.

“While this decision marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to new opportunities,” said Heather Bitz, Executive Director of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to work closely with our community partners to explore what comes next while continuing to celebrate Tyra’s impact over the next 4.5 years.”

The Town of Drumheller acknowledged the Chamber’s announcement last month and emphasized the significance of coordinated planning for the future. At a Special Council Meeting on March 27, 2025, Council passed a motion to discuss with Travel Drumheller and the Chamber the future of the World’s Largest Dinosaur.

“We’re looking forward to working in lockstep with our partners to research and consider options for the WLD,” said Darryl Drohomerski, CAO, Town of Drumheller. “This is the start of a process grounded in collaboration and shared purpose.”

“The World’s Largest Dinosaur is deeply tied to Drumheller’s tourism identity,” said Julia Fielding, Executive Director of Travel Drumheller. “We’re committed to keeping her memory alive while ensuring that our community continues to thrive as a destination well beyond 2029.”

The working group will identify strategic next steps in the months ahead, starting with a physical evaluation to help determine the longevity of the steel and fiberglass structure. More information will be shared as planning progresses. To learn more about the WLD, please visit https://worldslargestdinosaur.com/.