Castor town council discussed pricing received for a shower house at the campground multi-use facility during the regular council meeting on Sept. 23.
Council reviewed the final pricing for the multi-use facility and noted that costs were higher than expected and in fact bids for the shower house and electrical work came in substantially over budget.
“The quotes we got are not attainable,” noted Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Donna Rowland, stating that the shower cost came in higher than the whole project. Mayor Richard Elhard agreed, saying that the shower was too costly for the town.
Council agreed to keep the existing shower at the south campground while exploring other options for a shower at the north campground. The south campground’s shower house is equipped to remain open year-round, allowing for all-season use of the facilities.
“Why is pricing so off the board?” asked Coun. Trudy Kilner.
Rowland explained that the quote was given in 2021 and costs have since gone up 10 to 15 per cent.
Council moved that the shower house be removed from the project at this time, allowing administration to research more financially obtainable options.
Council also agreed that the campground sites would need to be gravelled, as RVs and trailers would sink if placed on grass.
Deputy Mayor Kevin McDougall suggested that the town explore whether its public works staff could handle the gravel placement to cut costs.
Council approved a motion to gravel the sites and explore the possibility of having the town handle the gravel placement.
A motion was passed to transfer $160,000 from reserve funds to complete the project, with the hope of completing the gravel work in-house.
Advisory council
Alberta Health’s Advisory Councils Secretariat is seeking interest of municipally elected leaders to join a regional advisory council.
The new regional advisory council seeks to better reflect local voices, address local priorities and provide input on improving the health-care system. Council members would advise the government and the new provincial health agencies on clinical service, capital and workforce planning across primary, acute, continuing and mental health and addiction care.
The position would require that the municipal representatives be well-connected to their communities and understand the communities local health needs. McDougall expressed interest in the position and intends to apply.
Curling club update
In a letter to council, the Castor Curling Club inquired about its eligibility to receive recreational tax funds collected by the town to help cover ongoing operating expenses if needed.
The club noted that due to the age of its equipment and challenges in sourcing spare parts, it was actively seeking quotes for a new ice plant, with initial estimates around $100,000. The correspondence aimed to inform the council of potential upcoming expenses the club may face.
The club reported a slight increase in adult curlers and more youth participants than last year with 25 youth involved. While the club managed to break even in past years, rising utility costs resulted in a deficit last year, which was covered by reserve funds.
“Right now they pay a portion of the operating cost for the pool and arena,” noted CAO Rowland.
“There is no argument in helping them,” said McDougall, “they have been a pillar of the community.”
Coun. Cecil Yates raised concerns that Castor was covering most of the rink’s expenses, including $11,000 in insurance, while the facility was used by residents from surrounding areas and wondered if raising user fees would help offset costs.
Rowland mentioned that there were still funds available from a grant awarded in 2024, although not the full amount.
“The quote seems incredibly low,” said Mayor Elhard.
Coun. Shawn Peach explained that the quote was prepared in April, and additional non-plant-related items, such as carpet replacement, would likely increase the total.
The club noted in its letter that it was not asking for financial help at this time. They indicated that they would be applying for grants as well as trying to raise funds themselves, however if plans failed they wanted council to be aware of the issues.
Council passed a motion requesting more information from the Castor Curling Club.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
