In Drumheller’s upcoming civic election, the fate of Tyra the Tyrannosaurus remains uncertain, but her impact is undeniable. AJ Frey, a local entrepreneur who initiated a petition with 25,000 signatures to preserve the 25-meter-tall tourist attraction, is now a candidate for town council. Emphasizing Tyra’s presence, Frey aims to highlight the need for enhanced community engagement in decision-making processes.
Scheduled for October 20, the election precedes an engineering evaluation regarding Tyra’s future. As a longstanding landmark in Drumheller, Tyra draws 150,000 visitors annually, offering a unique experience of climbing inside her mouth and capturing memorable photos. The town, renowned as the dinosaur capital of the world, boasts attractions like the Royal Tyrrell Museum and dinosaur-themed statues.
In March, uncertainty arose when the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce announced plans to dismantle Tyra by 2029. This led to public outcry, including Frey’s petition and town council discussions. An ongoing engineering study will determine the feasibility and cost of refurbishing the aging icon.
With the current mayor not seeking reelection, Tyra’s future has become a central topic in the election campaign. Candidates, including chamber president Lana Phillips, acknowledge the significance of Tyra as a community asset and stress the importance of informed decision-making based on solid data.
Despite the pending engineering report, outgoing Mayor Heather Colberg remains committed to advocating for Tyra’s preservation, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of the beloved landmark. As the community awaits the engineering findings, the debate over Tyra’s fate continues to stir emotions and spark discussions on the town’s identity and heritage.
