Castlegar City Council made a number of decisions at their Feb. 18 and March 3 meetings.
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 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.
Brandson Neighbourhood Park renewal
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 application
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.
Engineering Consulting Services
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.
The city says 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.
Compensation Adjustment
Council approved a 2.6 per cent 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 for World Down Syndrome Day, supporting the Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society.
Medium blue on April 11 for World Parkinson’s Day, supporting the Parkinson Society of British Columbia.
Pink on July 22 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 and Ponds.
Bylaws
Council gave the first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw 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.
Council adopted the 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw 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.
Council gave first, second, and third readings to Bylaw 1437 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.
Council gave first, second, and third readings to Bylaw 1438, authorizing short-term borrowing of up to $7 million 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.
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see presentations.
