City of Castlegar Council Highlights - May 16, 2022
By City of Castlegar
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARENESS & PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
May 15 to 21 is Local Government Awareness and Public Works Week. This is an annual initiative with the goals of generating awareness and educating the public about the roles and responsibilities of local government and honoring the contributions public works makes to our communities. Mayor and Council thanked and acknowledged staff for the important work they do every day to make Castlegar such a great place to live. To celebrate the week, the City hosted a colouring contest for the community and the winners were announced:
5 years and under – Aven Bradley
6-9 years – Makayla Ralph
10+ years – Nevay Hadikin
DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES PROGRAM
Council approved Development Cost Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1380 which enables the waiving or reduction of Development Cost Charges for the purposes of not-for-profit and for-profit rental housing within the City, and Tax Revitalization Bylaw No. 1382 which enables tax exemptions for the purposes of multi-family, commercial, and industrial developments. Following the completion of the City’s Housing Strategy, Downtown Area Plan, and Castlegar and District Economic Development Plan, it was identified that a Development Incentive Program would support local development and investment and demonstrate a commitment toward being development ready. The Development Incentive Program includes two options for developers: reduction of development cost charges or revitalization tax exemption depending on if they are affordable or market housing. Developers will be required to choose one development incentive which best fits their needs.
COUNCIL EVENTS
Council received a report from the Community Wellness & Social Services Committee to discuss ideas for updating Council’s community events. This includes focusing on Winterfest and Merry & Bright Holiday Decorations Challenge, establishing a Council Small Events Sponsorship Program to promote community groups hosting free events throughout the year with a focus on families, and partnering with a community group to deliver a Canada Day event in 2022. This will be considered for adoption at the June 13, 2022 Regular Council meeting.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
· Last year, the Castlegar RCMP received $2,000 cash via Canada Post from an anonymous donor. The envelope included a typed note requesting the RCMP distribute the money to local organizations, and there was no name or return address. Despite best efforts, attempts to locate the donor were unsuccessful. RCMP policy states that found or seized money cannot be disbursed by the RCMP and that such funds must be turned over to the Municipality or to Revenue Canada. As the anonymous donor specified their intentions that the funds be donated to local organizations, the funds were turned over to the City. Council evaluated alternatives that align with the City’s strategic goals and determined the funds should be given to the organizations which provide cooling centre services to the City. This will be considered for adoption at the June 13, 2022 Regular Council meeting.
· Council considered issuing the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce Ground Lease Agreement for an additional fifty-year period with option to renew for a further fifty-year term. The Chamber has held a ground lease on City-owned lands located at 1995 6th Avenue since 1986. The current ground lease agreement does not expire until 2025 but is being renewed at this time to incorporate provisions for redevelopment of the property, including provision for statutory right of ways for the proposed public plaza and visitor information center. The existing building on site has been deemed at the end of its lifespan and requires replacement. Redevelopment of the site is proposed to start on, or before, June 30, 2022, with an anticipated completion date of June 30, 2024.
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AND ZONING REVIEW AND DOWNTOWN AREA DESIGN GUIDELINES –RECOMMENDATION FOR AWARD
Council awarded MVH Urban Planning and Design the Official Community Plan and Zoning Review servicing contract and Downtown Area Design Guidelines servicing contract. The deliverables for this project include:
- Work Plan and Engagement Strategy
- Revised Official Community Plan
- Mapping Schedules
- Review and Update of Development Permit Areas
- Implementation Strategy and Reporting Tools Revised Zoning Bylaw
- Design and Format
- Meetings and Presentations to Advisory Committee and Council
2022 ELECTION
Council received a report from the Manager of Corporate Services to:
- appoint a Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2022 local government election and to establish the compensation to be paid to election staff; and
- consider the required readings of Election Sign Bylaw 1385, to regulate the placement of signs related to an election or assent voting conducted by any level of government.
These will be considered for adoption at the June 13, 2022 Regular Council meeting.
WEST KOOTENAY REGIONAL AIRPORT
- Council gave First, Second and Third Reading to West Kootenay Regional Airport Fees Bylaw 1384, to authorize fees and charges at the Airport. This Bylaw allows Air Canada to update the Passenger Facility Fee it charges outgoing passenger from $7 to $25 on June 4, 2022. The increased Passenger Facility Fees collected by Air Canada, will be remitted to the Airport to support these important items from the 2019 Master Plan:
· implementing and servicing a Required Navigational Performance (RNP) solution to improve reliability;
· expanding the secure hold room, taxiway, and apron to accommodate the larger Q400 aircraft;
· expanding the airport terminal building to accommodate forecasted growth in passengers; and
- updating airside infrastructure.
- Council endorsed a grant application to the Airport Capital Assistance Program to build additional main apron capacity & new construction of a taxiway to accommodate the Q400 aircraft servicing the Airport. The City is eligible for 95% funding for this application.
RECORDS & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Council received a report from the Manager of Corporate Services requesting approval of Records and Information Management Email Management Policy 1-18 to establish an organization-wide policy for email management as official City records and assist employees in understanding their recordkeeping responsibilities relating to the management of emails.
DEVELOPMENT PERMITTING
Council approved Development Permit 1/22, for the purposes of form and character of a combined office building and visitor centre at 1995 6th Avenue.
BYLAWS
Council gave First, Second and Third Readings to Highway Closure Bylaw 1388, 2022, to remove highway dedication over a portion of 8th Street adjacent to 560 8th Street as part of the transfer of property to Habitat for Humanity.
Find these on the City’s website here
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