The Town of Castor council has brought a pair of new policies into effect.
First, the ‘Harassment in the Workplace Policy’ was brought in as a protection for municipal employees due to, “Higher than normal incidents of harassment and verbal abuse from the public,” according to Chief Administrative Officer Christopher Robblee.
The policy outlines complaint procedures for employees to follow if they feel harassed and begins with the employee asking the offender to stop the harassment action, and escalates to supervisor notification, Chief Administrative Officer notification, or if required, contacting the RCMP.
The policy further outlines the municipality’s responsibility to investigate any allegations once a complaint is received.
Due to the nature and seriousness of harassment allegations always changing, Robblee anticipates, “Bringing the document [back] for more edits in 2021, 2022.”
The second policy adopted during the June 22nd council meeting is a ‘Facility Usage Policy’.
This second policy highlights various aspects of renting municipally-owned venues, and outlines Town expectations of the renter, and the Town’s own obligations.
One notable change that the policy brings into the town is the requirement for sports teams not affiliated with a governing body, such as Baseball Alberta, to carry third party liability insurance at the cost of approximately $100 a year.
Casual users of the ball diamonds or the arena are not required to carry this insurance, just organized teams that have scheduled events.
The policy also has a standard set of fees attached to it for renting the ball diamonds, the arena, or the pool.
“I would be in favour of this,” said Coun. Lonny Nelner. “It’s a sign of the times (that we need this).”
2020 swimming pool prices set
The Town of Castor council has set the prices for Castor’s swimming pool for the 2020 season.
Children ages seven and under will pay $3 for admission, while ages eight to 17 will pay $4.
Ages 18+ will pay $5 for admission, and seniors 65 or older will pay $4.
A family rate has been set at $15 for all immediate family members.
“The prices reflect a shorter season,” said Robblee, talking about the pool’s late start this year due to COVID-19. Robblee indicated that if the weather and staffing allow, the pool could operate until Oct. 1st.
“We will try to go as long as possible.”
Precautions against COVID-19 are taking place, and facility users are expected to follow the posted signage and the direction of the lifeguards.
Town of Castor to fully open campgrounds
The Town of Castor will be opening the campgrounds to 100 per cent capacity, after restrictions have been further eased by the Province. Due to the increased cleaning requirements, the Town has opted not to reopen campground bathrooms or showers yet, however will be making arrangements to have port-a-potties placed for campers to use.