City of Castlegar Council Highlights - September 23
By City of Castlegar
West Kootenay Transit and Grandview Area Updates
Tom Dool, from the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and representing West Kootenay Transit, provided an update on regional transit services. Unfortunately, due to fleet constraints and the high cost of a larger vehicle required to service the Grandview area, Council was informed that current expansion options are more expensive. However, discussions are ongoing, and more information is expected in October. BC Transit is also exploring alternatives, such as an on-demand service, which has been successful in communities like Creston, Kaslo, and Nakusp.
Additionally, West Kootenay Transit continues to focus on scaling growth appropriately to meet the region’s needs, with over 340,000 rides annually in the Castlegar-Trail area. There is also an ongoing effort to expand service levels to Selkirk College, which will benefit students and the broader community. The City remains hopeful for future solutions to serve the Grandview area while continuing to enhance transit for all residents.
Electoral Approval for West Kootenay Regional Airport Expansion
Council approved using the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval for long-term borrowing of $1.38 million from the Municipal Finance Authority. This funding will cover the City’s share of the West Kootenay Regional Airport Apron Rehabilitation and Taxiway Extension project, which has a total budget of $5.37 million. The majority of the project funding, $4.02 million, comes from grants, including $2.36 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program and $1.66 million from the BC Air Access Program. The remaining costs will be funded through long-term borrowing.
This project will significantly enhance the airport’s capacity by accommodating larger aircraft and enabling simultaneous aircraft operations, improving operational efficiency and runway safety. The AAP allows residents to voice their opposition to the borrowing by submitting Elector Response Forms by November 12, 2024. This infrastructure upgrade supports the West Kootenay Regional Airport’s long-term growth and economic potential, which serves as a key regional transportation hub. The project is expected to boost commercial aviation and tourism while enhancing overall reliability for travellers. For more information on the Alternative Approval Process, visit castlegar.ca/aap.
Brandson Neighbourhood Park Renewal – Phase 3 Public Engagement
Council received an update on the Brandson Neighbourhood Park Renewal project and endorsed three park concept designs for the public to review as part of the next phase of the public engagement process. These concepts include key features such as preserved trees, new play structures, seating, and open lawn spaces while remaining within the project’s budget. The goal of Phase 3 is to gather feedback from the community to finalize the design and prioritize key elements for the park’s renewal.
This project also aims to honour the park’s past while planning for its future. Residents are encouraged to help shape the final park design and contribute to the “History as we know it” section by sharing stories, photos, and memories of the park.
The following public engagement events will be taking place this fall:
- Open House – Kinnaird Community Hall (2320 Columbia Avenue), on Wednesday, October 9, from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Picnic in the Park- Brandson Park (2412 6th Avenue) on Thursday, October 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. (weather permitting)
For more information and to take the survey, visit castlegar.ca/brandsonpark.
Non-Market Housing Action Plan Approved
Council approved the reallocation of $23,500, previously earmarked for a Housing Reserve and Entity Study, toward the development of a Non-Market Housing Action Plan. The plan is part of the City’s efforts to expand non-market housing options and will provide a clear strategy for the City and housing providers to address the need for affordable and non-market housing. Key components include assessing the City’s land assets, identifying housing partners, and creating a standardized process for land acquisition and development in support of housing projects.
Development Permit with Variance Approved for 1680 Columbia Avenue
Council approved Development Permit with Variance 2-24, allowing for the construction of a new food and beverage service, including a drive-through, at 1680 Columbia Avenue. The development, a Wendy’s restaurant, required several variances to the City’s zoning and sign bylaws to accommodate the site’s constraints. These variances include reduced setbacks for a retaining wall, garbage enclosure, and drive-through, as well as adjustments to the maximum number and size of signs allowed per premises.
The development will bring new employment opportunities to Castlegar and contribute to the City’s growing commercial landscape in the Uptown Mixed-Use area.
Designation of Fire Inspectors and Investigators under the Fire Safety Act
Council approved the designation of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief(s), and Assistant Chief(s) of the Castlegar Fire Department as Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators in accordance with the Fire Safety Act, which came into force on August 1, 2024. This designation enables the designated staff to conduct fire safety inspections and investigations and take necessary actions, such as enforcing fire and public safety concerns and carrying out tactical evacuations.
The new Fire Safety Act replaces the Fire Services Act of 1979, modernizing fire safety standards to better protect communities by ensuring compliance and promoting fire prevention.
2025 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1430
Council gave First, Second, and Third readings of the 2025 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1430. This Bylaw provides tax relief to local non-profit organizations and service groups that contribute to the community, allowing them to redirect funds toward essential programs rather than paying property taxes. These programs often support affordable housing, recreation, and services for vulnerable populations.
For 2025, the City received 34 applications, including 30 from organizations granted exemptions in 2024. Some exemptions are statutory, such as those for hospitals, churches, and schools, while others are discretionary, granted at Council’s discretion for organizations that provide community benefit. The Bylaw will be considered for adoption at the October 21, 2024, Regular Council Meeting.
2024 School District 20 Trustee Area 2 By-Election – Candidate Disqualification Notice
Council received a report from the Chief Election Officer regarding the disqualification of a candidate from the 2024 School District 20 Trustee Area 2 By-Election. One of the candidates did not file the required financial disclosure statement with Elections BC by the deadline, resulting in her disqualification from seeking office until after the 2026 general local election, in accordance with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act .
For full details on the meetings, and to watch the video:
https://castlegar.ca/events/council-meeting-september-23-2024/
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