In Drumheller, the fate of Tyra the Tyrannosaurus remains uncertain, yet her presence looms large in the upcoming civic election. AJ Frey, a local entrepreneur behind a petition with 25,000 signatures to preserve the 25-meter-tall attraction, is vying for a spot on the town council. Frey asserts that Tyra is his running mate on the ballot, aiming to use her popularity to advocate for increased community involvement in decision-making.
Scheduled for October 20, the election precedes an imminent engineering evaluation regarding Tyra’s future. As a beloved fixture for 25 years, Tyra stands tall in Drumheller, nestled in the Badlands dinosaur country northeast of Calgary, drawing in 150,000 yearly visitors who enjoy climbing through her structure and exploring her mouth’s interior. The town, renowned as the dinosaur capital of the world and home to the prestigious Royal Tyrrell Museum, cherishes Tyra as a cherished landmark.
The uncertainty surrounding Tyra arose in March when the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce announced plans to dismantle her by 2029. Outcry from the public, including Frey’s petition, prompted town officials to engage in discussions with the Chamber and Travel Drumheller. An engineering study is now underway to assess the costs of refurbishing the aging icon.
As the mayoral race unfolds, Tyra remains a prominent topic of discussion among candidates and residents. Lana Phillips, vying for the mayor’s position, acknowledges the significance of Tyra in the community’s dialogue, emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making processes. With the current mayor stepping down and the engineering report anticipated for release on November 1, the future of Tyra hangs in the balance, stirring emotions among supporters like Mayor Heather Colberg, who advocates for preserving the iconic structure.
In the midst of the election fervor, the fate of Tyra continues to capture the town’s attention, symbolizing a broader debate on heritage preservation and community engagement in Drumheller’s evolving landscape.