In Drumheller’s upcoming civic election, Tyra the Tyrannosaurus continues to be a hot topic, with local businessman AJ Frey, who initiated a petition to save the iconic tourist attraction, now running for town council. Frey emphasizes that Tyra is a key part of his campaign, aiming to highlight the need for increased community involvement in decision-making processes.
With voting scheduled for Oct. 20, before the release of an engineering report on Tyra’s fate, the future of the 25-meter-high dinosaur figure remains uncertain. Tyra, a prominent landmark for 25 years in Drumheller, attracts around 150,000 visitors annually and serves as a popular backdrop for countless photos.
Drumheller, known as the dinosaur capital of the world, boasts the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum and various dinosaur-themed attractions. The recent announcement of Tyra’s potential dismantling in 2029 sparked public outcry, prompting discussions on the preservation of this beloved community asset.
Lana Phillips, a mayoral candidate and current Drumheller chamber president, acknowledges Tyra’s significance in the election discourse, emphasizing the importance of community input and data-driven decision-making. As the current mayor, Heather Colberg, prepares to step down, the fate of Tyra remains a pressing issue awaiting the engineering report’s findings.
Colberg expresses her commitment to advocating for Tyra’s preservation, underscoring the dinosaur’s symbolic importance to Drumheller’s identity as a premier dinosaur destination. The debate surrounding Tyra’s future reflects broader discussions on community engagement and heritage conservation in Drumheller.
