By Lynn Sabo
The regular meeting of Castor town council was held in their chambers Jan. 8.
The first meeting of council for 2018 started off with Kyla Downey reviewing with council the environmental assessment report done by Parkland Geo for Alberta Environment on the old Home Hardware Lot and 51st Street.
The lot has been dug up with contaminated soil removed, a liner put in, and it’s been backfilled, all in hopes that the site may someday be clean and usable. The conclusion is though that the site still needs work, and it is likely that is will never be completely clean due to the coal seam that runs under that area.
Councilor Ryan moved to accept the report to send to Environment Alberta with a few wording changes in the summary.
Closer look
Upon review of the minutes from the last meeting, there are a couple items to report:
The fitness class cost was presented to council and it became apparent that it would not be feasible to continue. Councilor Zinger moved that the Town not continue with the Fitness Program in 2018. This will be reviewed again at a later date if grants can be acquired throughout 2018 for the program.
New animal bylaw
Council received correspondence from a resident expressing concerns with the new animal bylaw. The concerns were discussed at length, with the decision by council to leave things as they are.
Minor sports
Castor Minor Sports had their council meeting Jan 2, 2018, with Jeff Bowen being nominated onto the board. It was reported to council that the New Year’s Eve fundraiser for the arena went well, raising around $4,000.
Ag Society
Councilor Nichols reported back on the Castor Ag Society meeting and volunteer appreciation supper held on Jan 4. Around 60 people attended the supper, which was then followed by the board meeting.
Marilyn Norton is secretary again this year. However she noted that she would like to step down. It was also noted that the Ag Society is in dire straits for funding and will be looking into grants and subsidies to see them through.