The Town of Drumheller was notified yesterday of an Evacuation Notice which prohibits occupation of the “The Hub” at 420 12 Street East or commonly referred to as the former St. Anthony’s School Building as of 11:59 pm on September 11, 2025.

The Evacuation Notice was issued after an inspection initiated by the provincial Safety Codes Council, an independent regulatory body, where it was declared the building was unsafe for occupation due to significant deficiencies in life safety systems, including the absence of a fire sprinkler system. Further information on permits and definitions can be found in the backgrounder below.

The Town of Drumheller is committed to working with those community organizations affected by the Evacuation Notice to find alternative venues. Should any local building owners with safe, available spaces wish to assist in supporting these displaced organizations, please email the Town by September 16, 2025 at communications@drumheller.ca.

We wish to remind all residents and building owners they are required to comply with all provincial building codes, provincial safety codes, municipal bylaws and obtain all necessary provincial and municipal permits. We encourage all residents and building owners to contact the Town of Drumheller or visit our website for further information about our municipal bylaws and permitting process.

BACKGROUNDER 

A Development Permit authorizes a specific type of work/development on a specific piece of land/property within a municipality. The requirements and rules of this permit are based on municipal statutory plans and bylaws passed by Council. It is the first step before starting any development. 

A Building Permit authorizes a specific type of building work/development within the entire province, regulated under the Alberta Building Code. It is required under the provincial Safety Codes Act. While regulated provincially through the Alberta Building Code, municipalities issue the permit after an external accredited Safety Codes Officer/Agency has approved, and after a Development Permit has been provided. 

Occupancy is granted upon the closure of a building permit, providing the work completed is compliant with the Building Code.  Occupancy certifies that a building is safe and suitable for its intended use. While regulated provincially through the Alberta Building Code and Safety Codes Act, an accredited Safety Codes Officer/Agency issues a Permit Services Report to the municipality once they have deemed the requirements/conditions identified through the Building Permit process to be complete.

Inspection Process Inspections occur at various stages throughout the construction process including prior to building occupancy.  Conducted by a contracted, accredited Safety Codes Officer/Agency, this service is outside the Town's technical responsibilities. The permit will only be approved once the inspection is passed.