City of Castlegar Council Highlights - Sept. 3, 2024
By City of Castlegar
APPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF BC VOTING DELEGATE & ALTERNATE
The Municipal Insurance Association of BC will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, during the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver. Council appointed Councillor Brian Bogle as the City’s voting delegate, with Councillor Falstead as the alternate.
This resolution ensures that Castlegar’s voice is heard at the AGM and that the City remains engaged in discussions regarding insurance matters that affect local governments.
MUNICIPAL TICKET INFORMATION AMENDMENT BYLAW
Council adopted Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1419, enhancing the City’s ability to enforce bylaw contraventions. The bylaw introduces clearer dispute processes, strengthens enforcement measures, and updates fine schedules for the first time since 2021, ensuring alignment with current bylaws and community needs.
This amendment supports the City’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful community by updating and streamlining bylaw enforcement procedures, reflecting changes such as the Wildlife Attractant Control Bylaw.
COMMUNITY
- Council passed a resolution to support the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC and illuminate the Kinnaird Overpass in green on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, for World Cerebral Palsy Day. This initiative helps raise awareness of cerebral palsy, which affects around 10,000 people in BC. It demonstrates the City’s support for inclusivity and the cerebral palsy community.
- Council approved the donation of the 1952 Mercury fire engine to the Castlegar & District Heritage Society, subject to an approved implementation and preservation plan. This fire engine, Castlegar’s first brand-new fire apparatus, remained in service until 1979. The engine will be preserved and displayed at the Railway Museum, ensuring its historical significance is maintained for future generations.
COMMUNITY WORKS FUND AGREEMENT
Council authorized the Mayor and Director of Corporate Services to sign the 2024-2034 Community Works Fund Agreement with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. Originally introduced as the Gas Tax Fund in 2005, this agreement secures a stable source of federal funding for the City, enabling continued investment in critical infrastructure projects.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENT POLICY UPDATE
Council adopted the amended Council Appointment Policy 1-7. This policy outlines the process for appointing community members to various City Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The amendments include creating an official volunteer application form and updates to reflect current departmental structures and practices. The changes aim to improve efficiency and ensure that applications are managed in compliance with privacy and records retention legislation.
BRANDSON NEIGHBORHOOD PARK RENEWAL REPORT
Council received the Brandson Neighbourhood Park Renewal – Phase 2 Engagement What We Learned report. Based on community feedback from an online survey and a “Picnic in the Park” event, the report highlighted key priorities such as playgrounds for all ages, rest areas, water features, preserving green spaces, and enhancing accessibility. The engagement also helped capture the park’s legacy, reflected in the History as We Know It, which will be commemorated through on-site historical storyboards.
The final phase of public engagement, starting in September 2024, will gather feedback on design concepts and help prioritize features.
To watch the discussion on this report, including special guests historian Greg Nesteroff discussing History as We Know It and Shasta McCoy, the Landscape Architect from Urban Systems presenting the What We Learned report, click here and skip to Hour 1:45:00 in the recording.
MUNICIPAL BORROWING FOR COLUMBIA AVENUE PROJECT
Council approved borrowing $6.2 million over a 30-year term from the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia as part of the 2025 Spring Borrowing Session, authorized by the City of Castlegar’s Columbia Avenue Complete Streets Project Phase 2 Loan Authorization Bylaw 1348.
The Columbia Avenue Complete Streets Project Phase 2 aims to enhance the safety, accessibility, and overall functionality of the city’s main thoroughfare. By upgrading infrastructure, the project will improve traffic flow, increase pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, and create a more sustainable, user-friendly street environment for residents and visitors alike.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://castlegar.ca/events/council-meeting-september-3-2024/
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