Council Highlights, Feb. 18 and March 3
By City of Castlegar
Delegation – History of the Arena
Local historian Greg Nesteroff presented the history of the Pioneer Arena, sharing stories and photos of its construction and the community’s efforts in building and maintaining the facility. His presentation captured the arena’s story, starting with the arrival of the arches in 1956.
Watch the full presentation here: https://youtu.be/AyOqMsOBWqk
Committee of the Whole and Council Committee Terms of Reference
Council adopted updated Terms of Reference for the Committee of the Whole and Council Committees to reflect the current structure and City priorities. Key changes include removing the term Standing Committee and restructuring Council Committees into four categories: Cultural and Civic Pride, Finance and Corporate Services, Municipal Services, and Community Wellness, Safety, and Development.
The updates also clarify the roles of Committee Chairs and Deputy Chairs in working with community groups and refine meeting guidelines to improve transparency and efficiency. These changes are intended to streamline operations and enhance Council’s ability to address City priorities.
Brandson Neighbourhood Park Renewal – Phase 3 What We Heard Report and Next Steps
Council received the Phase 3 What We Heard Report for the Brandson Neighbourhood Park Renewal project, which summarized feedback from over 200 participants. Key priorities included a playground for all ages, washrooms and drinking water, and maintaining green spaces. While a water feature was less supported, there was strong interest in washrooms, which will be pre-serviced for future installation.
Staff will proceed with a Request for Proposals for playground design and construction, incorporating public feedback within the remaining $290,000 budget. The final design will be presented to Council for approval in late spring.
Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program application for flood plain mapping and climate change hazard assessment
Council endorsed a $400,000 grant application to the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding Program to support flood plain mapping and climate change hazard assessments for Castlegar’s upland catchments. If approved, the project will proceed at no cost to the City and inform long-term infrastructure and emergency planning.
Request for proposal 2024-24 Engineering Consulting Services – Recommendation for Award
Council awarded the Engineering Consulting Services Agreement to Urban Systems Ltd. for a three-year term, with an option for two one-year extensions. This agreement provides the City with professional engineering support for infrastructure projects, including roadworks, utilities, and environmental assessments.
Securing a long-term consulting firm streamlines project delivery, reduces procurement delays, and ensures cost efficiency by working with a team familiar with Castlegar’s infrastructure needs.
2025 Exempt staff & Castlegar Volunteer Fire Department Compensation Adjustment
Council approved a 2.6% compensation increase for exempt staff and Castlegar Volunteer Fire Department members for 2025, based on the 2024 average B.C. Consumer Price Index. The adjustment aligns with the City’s Administrative Staff Compensation Policy and has been included in the Five-Year Financial Plan.
Community
Council passed resolutions to illuminate the Kinnaird Overpass in recognition of the following:
- Blue and yellow on March 21, 2025, for World Down Syndrome Day, supporting the Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society.
- Medium blue on April 11, 2025, for World Parkinson’s Day, supporting the Parkinson Society of British Columbia.
- Pink on July 22, 2025, for World Fragile X Day, supporting the Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada.
Council also approved providing a letter of support to the Castlegar Parks and Trails Society for their funding application to upgrade the Bike Skills Park at Millennium Park & Ponds.
BYLAWS
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1435, 2025
Council gave the First and Second Reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1435, which would allow non-market housing as a permitted use on properties zoned P1 – Public and Institutional. The amendment aims to expand opportunities for non-market housing by including lands owned by faith-based groups, the school district, and other public institutions.
2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1436, 2025
Council adopted the 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1436, which includes property tax increases and outlines planned revenues, expenditures, and funding sources for the next five years. It prioritizes competitive tax rates and infrastructure upgrades and leverages grants and alternative revenue streams.
West Kootenay Regional Airport Apron Rehabilitation and Taxiway Extension Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 1437, 2025
Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings to Bylaw No. 1437, 2025, authorizing temporary borrowing to fund the rehabilitation of the airport apron and the extension of Taxiway A at West Kootenay Regional Airport. This project is essential for maintaining airport infrastructure and supporting long-term operational efficiency. The bylaw allows the City to borrow funds short-term until long-term financing is secured.
2025 Revenue Anticipation Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1438, 2025
Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings to Bylaw No. 1438, 2025, authorizing short-term borrowing of up to $7,000,000 to manage cash flow for municipal operations in 2025. This ensures the City can meet financial commitments while awaiting property tax revenue and other funding sources. This type of borrowing is a standard practice for municipalities to maintain stable operations throughout the year.
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
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