UPDATE #2: Many locals are hoping this announcement is not the end of Tyra. So much so, that one has decided to start a petition to save the World’s Largest Dinosaur.
AJ Frey, started the petition on Thursday, after the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce announced that they did not intend to extend their lease on the building past 2029 where Tyra is located.
On Friday morning there were just under 600 people that had signed the petition. As of Monday morning, over 11,500 people have put their name on the petition. If you want to add your name to the petition, click here.
Drumheller Town Council held a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, March 27th and the result of the meeting is that the Town of Drumheller is hoping to meet with the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, as well as Travel Drumheller.
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UPDATE: Drumheller Online has received a statement from the Town of Drumheller on the communication between them and the Chamber as well as the long term redevelopment plan for the area.
“The Chamber has made the decision not to renew its lease beyond 2029 as part of its strategic planning process. We understand that this decision may raise questions about the future of the site, and while no immediate plans are in place beyond 2029, the Town remains committed to thoughtful discussions about its long-term use.”
“While we are deeply saddened to hear of this news,” shares Heather Colberg, the Mayor of the Town of Drumheller. “We were unaware of this decision until it was made public at the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting last night. As this transition unfolds, we look forward to working collaboratively with the Chamber, Travel Drumheller, and our community to honour the legacy of the beloved Tyra, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, while shaping the next chapter for Drumheller. The Town supports the Chamber’s decision to focus on its core activities; supporting and advocating for local businesses, while stepping away from operating a tourism attraction.”
We have also received a statement from Travel Drumheller on the closing of the World’s Largest Dinosaur.
“While we were saddened to hear that Tyra the World’s Largest Dinosaur will be retiring in December 2029, we invite everyone to make the most of these next five years by visiting Drumheller, climbing up to her jaws, and taking in the breathtaking views of the valley. Plus, there’s so much more to explore in our beautiful area—discover all the incredible experiences waiting at www.traveldrumheller.com. We can’t wait to have you visit!
Finally Travel Drumheller is excited to celebrate Tyra as she turns 25 this year! Join us for a special birthday bash on October 11th as we honor this iconic landmark.”
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In a somewhat surprising announcement during the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) Annual General Meeting, the Chamber announced that Tyra, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, along with the gift shop and Visitor Information Centre will be closing in four years, 2029.
In a statement sent out by the Chamber, they share that this decision “follows from the Chamber’s strategic planning process and our understanding that the Town of Drumheller has plans that consider long-term redevelopment of the site, marking a significant transition for the Chamber and the community.” According to Heather Bitz, Executive Director with the Chamber, the future of the World’s Largest Dinosaur has been discussed for years. “There has been some conversations over the years about the dinosaur. We’ve always known that it had a lifespan. We have had some strategic planning discussions over the last year that surrounded this decision and arrived at this decision. It coincides with the lease agreement. We have had a five year lease extension with our lease agreement with the Town (of Drumheller).”
The World’s Largest Dinosaur was Drumheller’s millennium project, being developed in 2000, preparing to celebrate her 25th anniversary as a legendary landmark in the Drumheller Valley. Since it’s construction, the World’s Largest Dinosaur has played a vital role in supporting our community, through the WLD Legacy Fund, which has distributed funds to numerous community groups and organizations, including $40,000 in 2024 alone.
As for moving forward, the Chamber is looking at adjusting it’s focus to their core mission, notes Bitz. “We are looking at this as an opportunity for the Chamber to refocus on our core mission of supporting the business community and being a strong advocate for our Drumheller business community. No plans on relocating Tyra.”
As for the World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund, Bitz confirms that it will continue for 2025. “We are not sure what the future holds for the Legacy Fund, at the moment. We have committed to it for 2025 but there will certainly be discussions among the Chamber board regarding the future of the Legacy fund. We will have more to say about (the plans) in the future.”
Within the statement from the Chamber, they shared that the Town of Drumheller has plans that consider the long-term redevelopment of the area. We have reached out to the Town of Drumheller for their perspective on this major announcement and expect a statement in that regard. When we receive the statement, we will update the story.
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