A 50 per cent rent increase and other council notes were discussed at the Town of Castor regular council meeting on June 10.
Council discussed the property at 5006 51 St. that has been rented since late 2015 for $500 per month plus utilities. Noting that rent has not increased in nine years, administration suggested raising the rate to $1,000.
The current 10-year lease, established by previous councils, expires in December 2025.
“The next contract will be shorter,” mused Deputy Mayor Kevin McDougall.
According to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), rent can be increased with sufficient notice, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Donna Rowland noted.
“Rent is going up everywhere,” Mayor Richard Elhard stated.
A concern regarding the site not being properly maintained was voiced by Coun. Cecil Yates.
CAO Rowland suggested sending a letter to remind tenants of their obligation to maintain the property and cooperate with the landlord for its care.
Concerns were also raised by Coun. Shawn Peach that the tenants might be subletting the property with Rowland stating that the issue would be revisited in the new contract.
Council motioned to approve the rental rate of $1,000 per month at 5006 51 St. beginning in January 2025.
Sidewalk replacement
Sidewalk replacement was discussed at the last council meeting where it was noted that each year funding from the Gas Tax Fund (GTF) is allocated for sidewalk replacement. At that meeting, the motion was tabled to give council time to review the five locations suggested by administration for replacement, with recommendations given to option one, two and four.
Option one includes the Devonian curb and wheelchair ramps at the northeast corner of 50 Ave. and 51 St., at an estimated cost of $9,800.
Option two covers the north side of 51 Ave. between 50 and 51 St., at an estimated cost of $20,000.
Option four involves the north side of 51 Ave. between 49 and 50 St., up to but not including the United Church, at an estimated cost of $16,000.
“I didn’t think it was that bad,” remarked Coun. Shawn Peach “maybe we can just repair them with asphalt.”
“That is something that we can look into but fixing a large area with that mixture is not cost-effective,” CAO Rowland remarked, noting that some edges are over one and a half inches high, making it a tripping hazard.
Option three, the west side of 52 St. between 51 and 52 Ave., includes replacing and adding a curb and gutter, at an estimated cost of $59,136. It was acknowledged as necessary but beyond the current budget if completed alongside other projects.
Council agreed that options one, two and four would address several areas while staying “within our budget,” as noted by Mayor Richard Elhard.
Council passed a motion to proceed with options one, two and four for the 2024 sidewalk replacement.
Road closure
The Castor Triton Swim Club requested a road closure to host its annual swim meet.
The swim club has rented the Castor Centennial Pool and the Castor Curling Rink and requested the closure of 50 St. from 50 Ave. to 51 Ave. due to the anticipated high volume of attendees.
Over 150 swimmers, parents and volunteers are expected to walk between the venues. The Town has previously provided barricades for this event, managed by the club.
Council approved the motion of temporary closure of 50 St. from 50 Ave. to 51 Ave. on June 23 and that the Castor Triton swim club are responsible for setting up, managing and and removal of the barricades used to close the street.
Property sale
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), a municipality that owns a parcel of land may sell it at market value. Before listing with a realtor, administration verified the listing prices for the following properties:
Plan 102 5348; Block 10; Lots 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20: $19,900
Plan 102 5348; Block 10; Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, and 14: $19,900
An increase in land sales revenue is anticipated once these properties are sold.
Council passed a motion to list the properties at the suggested values.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia Reporter
ECA Review
