Castlegar City Council Highlights - March 31, 2025
By City of Castlegar
DELEGATIONS:
Castlegar & Friends Dog Park Society
The newly formed Castlegar & Friends Dog Park Society presented its first project idea to Council —constructing a gazebo in the large dog park area at Millennium Park & Ponds, with a kiosk planned if funds allow. Council thanked the group for their presentation and acknowledged the value of community-led initiatives and volunteerism. Council requested the Society provide a formal written submission to be included in a future Council agenda for consideration and possible referral to the Engineering Department for further review.
Watch the presentation at the 1:23 mark.
Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Shares Reimagining Recreation Engagement Update
Trisha Davison, RDCK Regional Manager of Recreation & Client Services, presented the findings of the Reimagining Recreation engagement project, which explored public interest in the future of recreation services in the region, including the Castlegar & District Community Complex.
Feedback was gathered from residents of Castlegar and RDCK Areas I and J. Among Castlegar respondents, there was general support for facility upgrades—particularly a second sheet of ice and an indoor walking track. Many in Castlegar indicated a willingness to support a tax increase in the range of $100 to $199 per year for these types of improvements. However, support varied across the service area, with Area I expressing less willingness to support a new referendum under current conditions. The RDCK is considering options that may move forward without participation from Area I.
RDCK Next Steps
The following steps must be taken before any formal proposal can move forward:
- Decide on a specific recreation project to move forward with.
- Determine how much public funding would be needed—and ensure it aligns with what residents have indicated they’re willing to support.
- Clarify which bylaws govern which services, including capital and operating responsibilities.
- Consider changes to how the service is set up and managed through bylaws.
- Decide how public approval will be sought, such as through a referendum or alternative approval process.
Watch the presentation at the 21:13 mark.
Read the Final RDCK Report
Request for Proposals 2025-02 – Physician Recruitment Services Awarded
Council awarded the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce a three-year contract to continue delivering physician recruitment services, with an option to renew for two additional one-year terms. This program, which has been in place since 2014, is delivered in partnership with RDCK Areas I and J.
The local physician community also supports the long-standing initiative and aims to improve access to primary healthcare by recruiting and retaining family doctors in the region. Following a competitive process, the Chamber was the top-ranked proponent. The total contract value is $150,000 over three years.
Watch the presentation at the 01:12:00 mark.
Read the Staff Report
COMMUNITY
Council received correspondence from the 1st Robson Scouts announcing their participation in a community service challenge. The group plans to complete a service project in Castlegar and shared their enthusiasm for contributing positively to the community. Council asked staff to follow up to share ideas for community involvement with the group.
Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio Set To Retire
Council formally recognized Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio’s upcoming retirement. Sam has served in fire service for over 30 years, including over a decade with the City of Castlegar. He joined the City in 2013 as Deputy Fire Chief and was appointed Fire Chief in 2017. He has also served as Director of Protective Services and as a valued member of the City’s Senior Leadership Team.
Sam has been known for his integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to community safety throughout his career. Under his leadership, the City’s fire services advanced significantly—with the addition of a ladder truck, modernization of the fire fleet, and grant-supported equipment upgrades. He also led the development of the commercial inspection program and introduced new emergency response technologies to support efficiency and safety.
Council and staff thanked Chief Lattanzio for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to the Castlegar community.
Watch the recognition at the 14:11 mark.
City Receives Grant Toward Active Transportation Planning
Manager of Engineering & Infrastructure Ryan Niddery shared that the City has secured grant funding to support the development of a new Transportation Master Plan. With a strong focus on active transportation, the Plan will provide a long-term strategy for improving walking, cycling, and vehicle connections throughout the community.
The City continues pursuing additional grants to fund the plan fully, with up to $100,000 in funding potentially attributable to the project. Castlegar’s last Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan was completed in 2007, and the new plan will help reimagine the City’s future transportation network.
Contract Extended for Interchange Landscape Maintenance
Council approved a two-year contract extension with Kootenay Ground Maintenance for interchange landscape maintenance at a total cost of $82,882. The contract includes mowing, irrigation, and seasonal upkeep at key city entry points. Rates remain unchanged from 2024, representing good value for service continuity.
Watch the presentation at the 01:40:20 mark.
Read the Staff Report
Contract Extended for Millennium Ponds Maintenance
Council approved a two-year extension of the Millennium Ponds Maintenance contract with Family Tree Gardening, valued at $99,460. The contract covers early morning site cleaning, irrigation inspections, plant care, and water feature maintenance. Pricing remains consistent with 2024, aligning with fiscal stewardship priorities.
Watch the presentation at the 01:42:56 mark.
Read the Staff Report
BYLAWS
Council adopted the Residential Curbside Collection and Disposal Amendment Bylaw No. 1433, which adjusts the City’s curbside collection and disposal rates for 2025. The amendment updates Bylaw No. 1408 to reflect the following rate changes, effective April 1, 2025:
- Garbage collection: increased from $128.40 to $140.89
- Organics collection: increased from $132.87 to $157.33
- Recycling collection: decreased from $27.73 to $6.93 due to increased RecycleBC incentives
- Yard waste site fee: decreased from $33.18 to $8.30, as the site closed on March 31, 2025
The reduction in recycling and yard waste fees will decrease the overall curbside utility bill by approximately $8.74 per household. These updated rates will appear on residents’ utility bills in July 2025, which cover the April 1 – June 30 billing period.
Committee of the Whole Recommendations Approved
Council approved several recommendations from recent Committee of the Whole meetings:
- From the March 3 meeting, Council approved a Development Variance Permit to allow reduced interior side yard setbacks for a residential addition.
Read the Staff Report
- From the March 17 meeting, extended the line painting contract with Aardvark Pavement Marking Services for two years and awarded pre-construction services for the South Sewage Treatment Plant North Train Renewal project.
Read the Staff Report
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
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