While cities all over are passing mandatory mask bylaws, one town took a whole new approach. Drumheller's "Dino Bucks" is an entirely new currency system that you can only get if you're seen wearing a mask in town. Certain retailers will hand out that sweet cash to visitors wearing face coverings, which they can use to buy items in store.
According to a news release on Tuesday, August 4, Drumheller City Council agreed to put $5,000 into buying 1,000 Dino Bucks. Each voucher is worth $5 and they're going to be handed out to certain stores in the city.
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Drumheller communications officer Julia Fielding told Narcity they're looking at 15 participating businesses right now. You'll know retailers are in the Dino Bucks business if they have posters set up advertising the secret currency.
The Dino Bucks will then be given to people wearing masks inside the store. They can then be used to buy things there or at other participating stores. The stores themselves will get 90% of the revenue.
The program is set to run between Friday, August 7 to Wednesday, September 30.
"The joy of this program is that it also supports local business and encourages people to maybe visit stores they haven't visited before," said Drumheller mayor Heather Colberg in the release.
Julia Fielding | Handout
"Enforcing the wearing of masks through a bylaw is challenging in a community as spread out as the Drumheller Valley and requires significant resources to achieve compliance," said Drumheller CAO Darryl Drohomerski.
He continued that by using Dino Bucks, people won't be punished for not wearing masks, but will be positively encouraged to follow along.
Unfortunately, Dino Bucks are only valid inside certain stores in Drumheller but if you're lucky enough to visit the dino-wild town this summer then you could get your hands on some!
Meanwhile, other cities in Alberta have taken a more direct approach. In Calgary, for example, it's mandatory for locals to wear masks indoors, including on public transit.
What's more, it will also be mandatory for all Albertan students between grades four and 12 to wear masks in class when school starts in September.
With this new currency system, you can make some easy money just by covering your face and also protect the people around you.