Castlegar City Council Highlights - Summer 2022
By City of Castlegar
Delegation
Council received a presentation from Christian Bertsch on behalf of Selkirk College and Happipad regarding a shared housing initiative. Learn more at happipad.com.
Community Support
Council approved the following grants:
- $1,000 to the Stanley Humphries High School Reunion Committee for their 50-Year Homecoming Reunion of the 1972 Graduation Class.
- $250 to The Kootenay Robusters Dragon Boat Team for their breast cancer awareness calendar campaign in 2023.
Council authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support to School District 20 indicating the City’s commitment to identifying potential sites for the construction of a new/replacement school during the review of the City’s Official Community Plan.
Airport Terminal and Castlegar & District Library Roof Replacement – Recommendation for Award
Council authorized staff to award Request for Quotation 2022-07, for the Airport Terminal and Castlegar & District Library Roof Replacement, to Heritage Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. for a total value of $229,870 plus taxes. In recent years, leaks have developed at both locations causing damage to interior finishes such as ceiling tiles and drywall. Small repairs were made but were deemed temporary until the entire roof sections could be replaced. The project is funded with a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream.
Appointment of Municipal Insurance Association of BC Voting Delegate and Alternate for 2022
The Municipal Insurance Association of BC (MIABC) 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for September 13, 2022, during the 2022 Union of BC Municipalities convention. MIABC requires a Council resolution appointing a voting delegate and an alternate to represent the City of Castlegar’s interest at the AGM. Council designated Councillor Dan Rye as the voting delegate and Councillor Brian Bogle as an alternate.
Temporary Use Permit Application 1-22 (1660 Columbia Ave.)
Council extended Temporary Use Permit TUP-3/21 for three years to facilitate the continued operation of a 13-bed emergency shelter (the Way Out Shelter) by Castlegar and District Community Services Society (CDCSS) at 1660 Columbia Avenue. The permit is subject to the following conditions:
1. The fire sprinkler and alarm system being upgraded to meet BC Fire and Building Code Standards;
2. CDCSS working with the Castlegar Community Collaborative to amend the Good Neighbour Agreement, Communications Plan, and CDCSS’s operations to address the issues within the control of CDCSS that were identified by the business community and during the referral/public consultation process;
3. The amendments to the Good Neighbour Agreement, Communications Plan, and CDCSS’s operations being approved by the City prior to November 1, 2022, the start of CDCSS’s 2022 winter shelter season; and
4. Staff providing a report to Council at the end of each winter shelter season that the Temporary Use Permit is in place. The reports will provide feedback on whether the amendments to the Good Neighbour Agreement, Communications Plan, and CDCSS’s operations have been effective. These reports will include a recommendation to Council as to whether the Temporary Use Permit be maintained, revised, or revoked.
Council requested that the business community elect a formal representative to the Castlegar Community Collaborative so they can act as the prime contact to timely convey issues to the City of Castlegar, other members of the Castlegar Community Collaborative, and the Way Out Shelter.
Freedom Mobile
After receiving information from Freedom Mobile, a Canadian wireless company, regarding a 40 m monopole tower and ancillary equipment at 1919 Columbia Avenue, Council committed to advising Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that:
- Freedom Mobile has satisfactorily completed its consultation with the City;
- The City is satisfied with Freedom Mobile’s public consultation process and does not require any further consultation with the public; and
- The City concurs with Freedom Mobile’s proposal to construct a wireless communications facility provided it be constructed substantially in accordance with the plans submitted to the City.
Regional District of Central Kootenay Board
Council appointed Councillor Dan Rye as the Castlegar Director to the Regional District of Central Kootenay Board and Mayor Duff as the Alternate Director for the remainder of the term. New appointments will be made to the Board following the general election in November.
Acting Mayor
Council appointed Councillor Dan Rye as Deputy Mayor for the period of August 15, 2022 to November 7, 2022.
2022 Capital Budget Amendment
Council amended the Five-Year Financial Plan and the 2022 Capital Budget to include a $20,000 Infra Red Asphalt Heater for the MT Trackless Off-road Vehicle, funded from the City’s Equipment Reserves and authorized staff to purchase it from Kendrick Equipment. The purchase of this attachment expands the role of the existing equipment, improving operational efficiencies, and reduced the costs of services currently contracted to third-party vendors.
Investment Policy
Council approved an Investment Policy to guide the City’s investing activities of reserves, surplus and current funds given the current interest rate environment.
2023 Budget Calendar
Council received the proposed 2023 Budget Calendar which outlines the City’s budgeting process and key dates. This will be considered for adoption at the September 6, 2022 Regular Council Meeting.
Development permit Application DP-4/22 (1137 7th Avenue)
Council approved Development Permit 4-22 which is intended to support the reconstruction of a four-unit multiple residential building at 1137 7th Avenue, which was damaged by fire in 2021.
Bylaws
- Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings to 2022-2026 Five-Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1391. Since adopting the Financial Plan, Council has passed various resolutions to reallocate or adjust spending to the operating and capital budget which requires an amendment to the financial plan under the Community Charter. None of the proposed changes impact 2022 taxes. The proposed amendment will be advertised publicly.
- Council adopted Indemnity Amendment Bylaw 1386 to implement changes to remuneration paid to Mayor and Council effective November 7, 2022 when the newly elected Council takes office.
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