Garbage rates
Council gave three readings to the 2025 residential curbside collection bylaw, setting rates for the next fiscal year. These rates take effect on April 1 and will appear on utility bills mailed in July for the April–June billing period.
The city says the changes reflect an increase in tipping fees from the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and adjustments to ensure the city’s solid waste program remains self-funded.
Garbage collection fees increase from $128 to $141.
Organics collection fees increase from $133 to $157.
Recycling collection fees decrease from $28 to $7 due to an increased incentive from Recycle BC.
Yard waste facility fees decrease from $33 to $8, with the facility set to close on March 31. The $8 funds operations for the first quarter of 2025.
FireSmart funding
The City of Castlegar is applying for $200,000 in FireSmart funding through the Union of BC Municipalities. The application was originally submitted in July 2024 as a partnership with the RDCK, but was revised to establish an independent FireSmart program for Castlegar.
If successful, the funding will support a staff position to assess wildfire risks and perform mitigation planning and public education. It will also allow for additional fire department training, developing a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan and provide home assessments and rebates for local property owners.
Sewage treatment plant contract
Council awarded the $64,000 South Sewage Treatment Plant North Train Renewal pre-construction contract to Chandos Construction LP. The contract includes assisting the design team with cost estimates, constructability reviews, and logistics advice to reduce risks and control costs of construction. The project is funded in the 2025-2029 Financial Plan, with construction expected to be financed by long-term borrowing.
The North Train was built 50 years ago and has been out of service since upgrades were completed to the South Train in the mid-2000s. The city says population growth and stricter regulations are prompting the move to bring it back online.
Road line painting contract
Council approved a two-year extension of the city's contract with Aardvark Pavement Marking Services for annual line painting at $103,904 in 2025 and $107,021 in 2026. The city says Aardvark has met all service expectations with competitive pricing.
Tree trimming contract
A one-year, $65,000 extension of the Professional Tree Trimming Services Agreement with Glacier Valley Tree Care Ltd. was approved by council. The contract includes specialized tree trimming services for hazardous tree assessments, aerial trimming, and stump removal.
The city says Glacier Valley has consistently met expectations, and its three-per-cent rate increase aligns with industry standards.
Basketball court
Council approved a $5,000 request from the Castlegar Interact Rotary Club towards the construction of an outdoor basketball court, through the Community Enhancement Fund.
Zoning bylaw
Council adopted a new zoning bylaw to allow non-market housing as a permitted use in the P1 – Public and Institutional Zone. The amendment applies to 48 properties owned by the city, school district, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and other government or utility entities.
A public hearing was not required under the Local Government Act, as the amendment strictly pertains to residential use.
Borrowing
Council adopted a temporary borrowing bylaw to authorize borrowing of $1.38 million for the apron rehabilitation and taxiway extension project at the West Kootenay Regional Airport. The borrowed funds will be repaid from long-term debt proceeds once they are issued.
Council also adopted a revenue anticipation bylaw authorizing the city to borrow up to $7 million in short-term financing through the Municipal Finance Authority.
The city says the bylaw ensures the city can meet lawful expenditures and financial obligations in advance of revenue collection. The borrowed funds will be repaid using property tax revenue when collected.
