By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
With a minimal investment on behalf of the Town, two projects worth $121,000 are proceeding in Castor.
The first project submitted as a ‘shovel-ready’ project to the provincial government’s Municipal Stimulus Program is some roadwork.
In particular, the paving of 54th Ave. leading down to the boat launch. The plan is to pave from the corner of 54th Ave. and 51st St. down the hill all the way to the bridge.
The estimated cost for the first project is a little over $77,000.
The second project submitted under the ‘shovel-ready’ stimulus program is the re-tinning of the Beaverdome. The estimated cost of the tinning project is just under $44,000.
Through the Municipal Stimulus Program, the Town of Castor has been approved a grant of around $110,000 for these projects, which doesn’t quite cover the cost of the two projects.
Both projects will have a total cost of around $121,000.
One option before council was to withdraw one of the projects, however with the application window closed they would have been unable to submit a new project to replace it until the 2021 application window, and even then there is no guarantee that future applications would be accepted.
After some discussion, council decided to proceed with the two projects and fund the outstanding balance from reserves.
“It’s a nine per cent investment on the Town’s behalf to complete both projects,” said Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Donna Rowland during the meeting.
“If we pull a project, we lose the total value of that project.”
The total amount the town is contributing is $11,000.