The Town of Castor council heard several concerns raised by resident Dale Fancourt during a delegation at its regular meeting on Jan. 13, with six residents in attendance.
Fancourt questioned the development of the old Lions campground into a multi-use, year-round facility. He suggested the water and sewer lines were not buried deep enough to withstand winter conditions, making it unsuitable as an all-season campground.
Mayor Richard Elhard responded that the project met required standards for a year-round facility and that the government grant funding required it to be developed as a multi-use site.
Fancourt also claimed residents were unaware of the project until construction began and questioned the lack of communication.
Elhard explained that the $891,000 federal grant, part of the Canada Coal Transition Initiative-Infrastructure Fund (CCTI-IF), could not be disclosed until it was officially announced in July 2024.
Bylaw concerns
Fancourt then raised concerns about bylaw enforcement, citing a neighbour using a sea-can for storage, which he said violates a 2011 bylaw prohibiting sea-cans within town limits. He requested the council investigate the matter.
He also questioned a building permit granted to another neighbour for a deck he believed exceeded allowable dimensions.
“I assume that you have somebody from the town that can read a tape measure and can physically go and check,” Fancourt said, adding that he had followed bylaw specifications for his own deck and was concerned about inconsistent enforcement.
Fancourt also alleged that town equipment was used to plow private driveways and that town vehicles were being used for personal purposes. He requested the council investigate these claims. Fancourt raised concerns about the limited recreational options available for youth and suggested the town consider exploring funding for a combined bowling alley and pool hall as a potential solution.
Elhard disagreed, highlighting existing facilities such as the arena, ball diamonds and swimming pool. “I don’t agree with you that we are not providing for youth,” he said.
When Fancourt asked about senior activities, Elhard pointed to pickleball at the community hall and programs at the Golden Circle, adding, “I think we are doing a wonderful job.”
Fancourt’s other concern was that there were no girls playing hockey in Castor, a statement council members refuted by highlighting the town’s active girls’ hockey teams. They also noted that approximately 45 girls participated in spring hockey, suggesting that girls’ hockey may be more popular than boys’ hockey in the community.
Council thanked Dale Fancourt for his presentation and moved to accept it as information.
Uncollected debts
Council reviewed uncollected debts eligible for write-off under the Municipal Government Act. A total of $2,957.54 will be written off in the 2024 budget, while $1,609.78 will be transferred to tax accounts.
The majority of the uncollected debt was from properties sold without the owners paying their taxes. Council approved transferring the amounts to the tax roll or doubtful accounts as of Dec. 31, 2024.
Winterfest approval
Council approved a request from the Winterfest Committee to host activities between the elevator and the Community Hall, including snow-cleared areas.
Council also approved a $200 contribution for the Chili Cook-off, included in the 2025 interim budget.
Property purchase
Council rejected an offer to purchase a lot at Plan 102 5348; Block 10; Lot 18 for $15,500 – 23 per cent below the listing price.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Donna Rowland noted legal counsel advised against accepting the offer, as similar properties had sold for the listed price of $17,000.
Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities must sell land as close to market value as possible.
Council agreed to reject the offer.
Council also approved legal counsel’s recommendation to revise section six of the purchase contract to specify, among other things, that buyers assume full responsibility for all environmental obligations and liabilities associated with the property.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review