At the May 5 Regular Council Meeting, the Town of Drumheller’s Emergency and Protective Services Department presented a proposed update to Community Standards Bylaw 19.25, designed to streamline property standards across the community. Council gave first reading to the bylaw and scheduled a Public Hearing for June 2, 2025.

The new bylaw would repeal and replace both the current Community Standards Bylaw – 06.19 and the Tourism Corridor Property Standards Bylaw – 04.19, consolidating them into a single, clearer regulation. This change follows legal guidance to eliminate conflicting standards and reflects extensive community feedback gathered through a public survey and engagement sessions.

“This proposed bylaw is a direct reflection of what we heard from residents,” said Greg Peters, Director of Emergency and Protective Services. “We’ve taken a thoughtful, balanced approach to address long-standing concerns, support healthy neighbourhoods, and ensure our enforcement practices are practical and fair.”

Throughout the presentation, the following highlights within the proposed bylaw were noted:

• Combines two existing bylaws into one unified document
• Strengthens rules on the accumulation of garbage, yard waste, and derelict machinery
• Introduces regulations prohibiting front yard parking on unpaved surfaces
• Incorporates snow and ice removal standards for sidewalks, with fines for non-compliance
• Expands enforcement tools for littering and illegal dumping
• Revises penalty structures to ensure proportionality and legal flexibility

A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2025, giving residents the opportunity to provide formal input before Council considers second and third readings. Details on participating in a public hearing are available online: drumheller.ca/your-municipality/public-participation/public-hearings