Castor town council will explore online, radio and video options to promote the benefits of living in Castor after hearing a report from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Donna Rowland that Castor does not seem to be effective at attracting new residents.
The decision was made at the Tues. Nov. 14 regular council meeting.
Rowland stated she hasn’t heard of anyone moving to Castor unless there is already a family or personal connection.
Snow removal priority
With winter snowfalls coming soon, the CAO provided to council an amended Priority 1 snow removal route to include the new fire hall and a doctor’s residence.
Deputy Mayor Kevin McDougall expressed interest in including Castor schools on the Priority 1 route, but at present they remain on the Priority 2 route.
However, if there is a medical emergency requiring a Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) plane or helicopter, all snow-clearing equipment will be redirected to clearing the airport or helicopter landing pad within the hour it will take for the STARS plane to get to Castor from Edmonton.
Lawn mower
Council held a lengthy discussion regarding the purchase of a new lawn mower. Two options are being considered. One is a zero-turn mower with a cost close to $30,000. The other is a 4×4 tractor mower for about $13,000.
Council was told by the CAO that zero-turn mowers can mow lawns more quickly, but summer staff may find operating them on steep slopes such as around the pond or in wet weather uncomfortable or dangerous, and could refuse to operate them.
Council postponed a decision to the next meeting.
Other business
Regarding the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), one recycle bin for plastics will replace the three bins currently in use.
Council voted to withdraw membership from Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED), with its annual fee of $1000, citing no benefit to Castor for the kind of input offered.
Lane Koster
ECA Review