Castor council moved to double the penalties in the Community Standards bylaw regarding concerns of overgrown and unkept yards, at the regular council meeting on May 14.
“We are trying to sell Castor to families,” said Coun. Kilner, “It’s disgusting.
“We need to do something.”
The amended penalties include, but are not limited to: failing to clear snow or ice from a sidewalk within 48 hours, depositing snow or ice onto a highway, public place or private property, failing to maintain boulevard adjacent to property, garbage collection outside permitted hours.
These offences, among others, will now have a municipal tag of $200 and a violation ticket of $400, for first-time offences when the bylaw received third reading.
Land-use bylaw
Council moved the first reading of the amended Land-use Bylaw.
Amendments include definitions relating to cannabis and which zones will discretionarily allow cannabis related operations.
The first reading of the amendment reads that retail locations and cafes are listed as discretionary use in C-1 Central Commercial District, HWY–C Highway Commercial District, L-1 Light Industrial District.
The amendment also includes cannabis regulations that state it “must comply with provisions set out in the Provincial Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis act.” Regulations also include an exterior wall cannot be located within 100 meters of a school or healthcare facility or boundary of a parcel of land where a school or healthcare facility is located.
A public hearing regarding the changes to the Land Use Bylaw will be held on June 11.
Taxation bylaw
Council passed the taxation bylaw for 2018 during the special meeting on May 3. There will be an increase to both residential and non-residential municipal taxes. Residential will see a two per cent increase, while non-residential an increase of 1.5 per cent.
According to Chief Administrative Officer, Sandi Jackson, the average home, around 1,800 square feet, will see an increase of $40, while the average business will see a $25-$30 increase.
Emily Wheller
ECA Review
