Welcome to Casper's Expansion Project

On December 3rd , 2024 AGM, The board, Steering Committee, in collaboration with the town of Carrot River have made the following progress towards moving into the old elementary school:

1. The board has decided to move forward with talks to lease the building from the town, after reviewing financial projections for purchase and lease.

2. The last Steering Committee meeting with the town was held on February 6, 2025.

3. The town is currently working with their lawyer to draft a copy of a lease agreement based on initial discussions. this initial draft will be subject to review by Casper's Board of Directors and will be subject to several rounds of negotiation. The board will be obtaining legal advice during negotiations and prior to entering into a final lease agreement.

4. Lease negotiations will be determine:

   • Lease term in years​

   • Annual Lease fee plus incidentals (I.E. Utilities

   • Whether a deposit is required

   • Required Levels of insurance coverage

   • Who is responsible for exterior and interior repairs

   • Exterior and interior maintenances, and

   • How the lease could be terminated

5. In proceeding of the sale will go to Casper's. It also means that the Board will be involved in annual Capital Planning with the Town

6. The town will be fully responsible for the rental and maintenance of the gym. Casper's will have access to the gym through rental at regular rates

7. The board is currently obtaining insurance quotes for leasing the building, content coverage and Liability, for both the construction and occupancy

8. The Steering Committee will soon be making a formal recommendation to The Board about which design and engineering quote to proceed with, of the three obtained last fall. If this recommendation is approved by the Board, then a timeline will be obtained for the completion of engineered building plans, firm up overall projected costs, and determine approximate start and end dates of construction.

9. Contractor/Construction quotes will be obtained at a future date, once design and engineering plans are completed.

10. The old playground equipment north of the school needs to be removed as it is not useable by Casper’s, due to its age and condition. The Town will be removing this equipment and disposing of it. The Board will be negotiating with the Town as to what, if any, portion of the expenses Casper’s will cover for the removal and disposal

11. Going forward, tentative monthly meetings between the Steering Committee and Town are scheduled for the 3rd Thursday monthly.

12. The upcoming move is going to require a lot of VOLUTEERS! This includes more fundraising, donations of money, materials and time, and as we get closer to the move, possible Work Bees. Please talk to Hailey or any member of The Board if you are interested volunteering.

13. The Board is still interested in hosting a Special AGM solely to update the members on the progress of the move, so watch for future announcements!