CHESTER - The Village of Chester commission is planning on distributing a census.

 The decision was publicly announced on August 20.

 The census, which is voluntary, will be used to gather information regarding residents, both seasonal and permanent, as well as business owners within the village limits.

 This information is not currently available through Statistics Canada.

 A media release from the commission reads, "The interest in the census arose at a meeting when the number of residents using the Lido pool could not be identified."

 Taxes levied to support the Lido pool and public washrooms fall to the ratepayers in the village only.

 The questions are designed to determine the average age of people living in the village, the number of seasonal residents, residents with special needs or difficulties, the number of business owners or people working and living in the village.

 The release says any information gathered will be held in the strictest confidence. After the information is compiled, the census sheets will be shredded.

 The purpose of the address and phone number on the census sheet is simply to ensure every civic address is reached and to enable contact if clarification is needed, especially as regards difficulties.

 Any questions or concerns relating to the census can be directed to any of the current commissioners or to the village commission office at 275-4482.

posted on 08/31/10