By Kevin J Sabo
For the Advance
Employees of the Town of Castor now have a better view of what is going on in the water and sewer pipelines hidden underground.
Assistant Foreman Weston Gibson attended the Castor council meeting on Sept. 10 where he gave a video presentation showing the capabilities of the recently acquired sewer camera.
“It’s definitely what we needed,” said Weston regarding the new equipment. “It was definitely a major upgrade for us.”
The sewer camera that the town had been using prior was rather old, and after breaking recently the decision was made by council to spend almost $9,500 on the new one.
The camera previously in use was low resolution with a black and white display in a heavy carrying case, where the new equipment is light-weight, high resolution, capable of taking photo and video with the ability to immediately download to a flash drive for homeowners who are having their pipes assessed. The new equipment is also capable of being equipped with several different attachments if the town should so choose in the future.
The equipment is used around town to check sewer pipes for blockages or tree root infiltration between homes or businesses and the sewer mains that service them.
Other highlights of the Sept. 10 meeting:
• Council discussed the purchase or rent of a radar speed sign to try and discourage speeders in town.
• Council passed first reading of Bylaw 1063, a bylaw which allows council to review the Intermunicipal Development Plan with the County of Paintearth. A public hearing will be held prior to subsequent readings.
• Council passed first reading of Bylaw 1064, a bylaw establishing an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework with the County of Paintearth. A public hearing will be held prior to subsequent readings.
• Council approved a change to the MSI grant application, allowing CAO Sandi Jackson to apply for $27,000 to upgrade the town computer infrastructure instead of the purchase of a new chipper.
• Council was informed that Castor Minor Sports has been approved to run the 50/50 at an Edmonton Oilers home game on Jan. 20, which will bring in about $15,000 to Castor Minor Sports. About 60 volunteers will be needed to run the 50/50.
• The Castor swimming pool showed over 2400 people using the facility this summer, which is an increase from last year.
• Council was told by Coun. Tony Nichols during the committee reports that the Ag. Society has approved 16 $500 scholarships. Counc. Nichols also said that the Castor Rodeo showed a profit this year.