The fate of Tyra the Tyrannosaurus remains uncertain, yet she continues to make a significant impact on Drumheller’s upcoming municipal election. AJ Frey, a local entrepreneur who initiated a petition with 25,000 signatures to preserve the 25-meter-high tourist attraction, is now a candidate for town council. He affirms that Tyra is also a contender on the ballot alongside him, aiming to use her presence to distinguish himself as the “dinosaur guy” and emphasize the importance of community engagement.
Frey intends to leverage Tyra’s popularity to advocate for increased community involvement in decision-making processes. He highlights the necessity for improved communication between town officials and residents on key local matters. The election is scheduled for October 20, preceding an imminent engineering evaluation regarding Tyra’s future.
For 25 years, Tyra has stood as an iconic landmark in Drumheller, located in the fossil-rich Badlands northeast of Calgary. Welcoming 150,000 annual visitors, Tyra serves as a backdrop for countless photographs and selfies. Tourists can ascend 106 stairs within Tyra’s structure to stand inside her mouth, offering a unique perspective of the town. Adjacent amenities include an ice cream stand offering dinosaur-themed merchandise.
Drumheller, boasting a population of 8,400, prides itself as the dinosaur capital of the world, featuring attractions like the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum and dinosaur statues reminiscent of the Flintstones. The uncertainty surrounding Tyra’s future arose in March when the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, the attraction’s owner, announced plans to dismantle it by 2029. The announcement sparked public outcry, leading to initiatives like Frey’s petition and demands from town officials for discussions with relevant stakeholders.
An engineering study is currently underway to assess the extent of renovations required and the associated costs to rejuvenate the aging structure. Lana Phillips, the incumbent Drumheller chamber president and a mayoral candidate, acknowledges that Tyra is a pivotal aspect of the election discourse. She emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation, collaboration with partners, and data-driven decision-making in determining Tyra’s future.
While the current Drumheller mayor, Heather Colberg, will not seek reelection, she remains committed to advocating for Tyra’s preservation. Colberg expresses her frustration at the pending engineering report’s timing post her term and emphasizes the significance of preserving Tyra as a cherished community asset. She underscores the importance of respecting the town’s identity as the dinosaur capital and safeguarding its iconic symbol.
The elections will play a crucial role in shaping Tyra’s future, with candidates like Frey and Phillips advocating for community engagement and informed decision-making regarding the beloved Tyrannosaurus landmark.