Castor town council heard from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Donna Rowland at their regular meeting Jan. 8, 2024 that the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) has released their proposed allocations for 2024 and 2025.
The LGFF is funded from the provincial government and replaces the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) that enables municipalities to build infrastructure and serve their communities more effectively.
Operating allocations will remain the same at $128,358, said Rowland but the proposed capital allocations will be $333,000 in 2024, and $358,000 in 2025, although these amounts are not official until the Alberta Legislature passes their budget.
“With $333,000 allocated this year, this is a substantial increase,” said CAO Rowland, adding since 2018, the amount the Town of Castor received each year dropped year over year until 2024. In 2023 the capital allocation was $126,000.
Drought concerns
Council discussed at length a letter from Rebecca Schultz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, concerning the level of drought the province of Alberta is experiencing.
According to the letter, the province is currently experiencing a Stage 4 drought of the five stages possible, as per the Alberta Water Act. Municipalities play a large role in water management during a drought.
Mayor Richard Elhard said he doesn’t know if the Town of Castor would ever need to consider water rationing, but stated council needs to monitor drought conditions should they ever get to a place where water rationing is required.
Council discussed whether water from the creek or pond could be used in an emergency.
CAO Rowland stated that this water cannot be used without a license or a permit as the town has no jurisdiction over its use. Only the golf course has a license to use pond water.
She also noted water from the pond would have to be treated.
Winterfest weekend
Delegate Diana Boxma, from the Castor Winterfest committee, presented a list of requests to council for the coming Winterfest weekend.
Boxma requested use of the area east of the elevator for the cowboy camp, with the snow being cleared. If necessary, snow could be delivered to designated areas, and along the parade route for the cutter parade. Boxma also requested $200 for prizes for the chili cook-off.
Council unanimously approved the motion by Coun. Don Sisson for $200 for prizes.
CAO Rowland said the town has worked with the Winterfest committee in the past and will honour the other requests as much as possible, weather permitting.
Lane Koster
ECA Review
