Council Highlights – January 13 & February 3, 2025
Mayor and Council are responsible for setting the tax rate, approving the City’s budget and determining overarching service levels. Below are the highlights from the latest Council meetings, summarizing recent actions and outcomes.
2025 Budget Deliberations & Opportunity for Feedback
Following two days of deliberations on January 20 and 23, Council approved the Draft 2025–2029 Financial Plan and is now seeking resident feedback. The proposed 2025 budget reflects the City’s commitment to maintaining reliable services and core infrastructure while planning for the future of a growing community. It also accounts for increased responsibilities from new provincial and federal requirements.
This year’s budget was particularly challenging as Council worked to balance essential investments in infrastructure and services while minimizing financial impacts on residents already facing rising costs of living. It includes a 7.27% tax increase for residential properties and 7.54% for business and light industrial properties. This equates to $98.88 annually (or $8.24 per month) for the City portion of property taxes on an average single-detached home.
View the Draft 2025–2029 Financial Plan and key highlights at castlegar.ca/budget.
Public Engagement Opportunities:
- Draft Budget Drop-In Open House: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Community Forum (445 13th Ave). The virtual presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Login details can be found at castlegar.ca/events.
- Feedback: Residents can email feedback to budget@castlegar.ca by February 13, 2025.
Temporary Use Permit 1-25 – BC Housing (2245 6th Avenue)
The City received an application from BC Housing to operate a permanent emergency shelter at 2245 6th Avenue. The project requires a Temporary Use Permit to allow emergency and supportive housing under the City’s zoning regulations. Tyler Baker, Director of Regional Development for BC Housing, provided an overview of the proposed shelter, outlining the development process and a potential operational start date in Fall 2025, pending permit approval.
Council discussed the need for the shelter, the appropriate number of beds, the proposed design, and community feedback. At the February 18 meeting, Council will consider the final approval of the permit. Community members can continue to provide feedback on the application by emailing devserv@castlegar.ca.
Yard Waste Facility Closure
Council has decided to permanently close the yard waste facility at 2101 6th Avenue, effective March 31, 2025. This decision follows the successful launch of the City’s expanded curbside collection program in August 2023, which added organics collection to existing garbage and recycling services. The program has achieved impressive results, diverting 61% of household waste from the landfill—47% through organics and 14% through recycling—while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and extending the landfill lifespan.
The closure eliminates duplication of services and aligns with the City’s goal of reducing costs and redirecting staff time and equipment to other essential services.
DELEGATIONS
Castlegar Communities in Bloom
Darlene Kalawsky, representing Castlegar Communities in Bloom, presented an overview of the organization, including their annual update on service delivery for 2024 and their 2025 budget proposal for consideration. She noted that 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of Castlegar’s participation in the Communities in Bloom program and highlighted over 4,000 volunteer hours contributed by community members throughout the year. If you want to volunteer with the Castlegar Bloom team, please get in touch with Darlene Kalawsky at 250.365.1653.
Selkirk Innovates
Jayme Jones, on behalf of Selkirk Innovates through Selkirk College, presented on Stories to Solutions: A Collaborative Regional Response to Rural Homelessness. This project uses innovative methods to gather local stories of lived experiences to help guide future actions on homelessness. As part of the delegation, they requested Council’s support for an additional $7,500 in funding.
During the Regular meeting, Council agreed to participate as a Participation Partner, committing to attending project events, staying informed on project progress, and contributing resources where possible.
2024 REPORTS ON CITY INITIATIVES AND DEVELOPMENT
Council Strategic Plan Implementation Report – Quarter 4 Update:
The Chief Administrative Officer provided Council with a summary of projects and initiatives undertaken by staff in 2024. The update highlights achievements and demonstrates the City’s commitment to accountability and progress toward Council’s strategic priorities.
Development Application Annual Reporting:
The Manager of Planning, Development & Sustainability provided an overview of the Development Approvals for 2024. Highlights from the report indicate that 2024 continued to demonstrate increased interest in development within the city, with overall increases in Development Permits and Subdivision applications compared to 2023. It is anticipated that the city will continue to see growth in development as the opportunities under the City’s new Community Plan 2033 and Zoning Bylaw start to be realized.
RFP 2024-22 Information Technology (IT) Managed Services
Council awarded Request for Proposal (RFP) 2024-22 for Information Technology Managed Services to Sea to Sky Network Solutions for $257,871.50 plus applicable taxes for a two-year term, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods. The contract includes IT infrastructure management, cybersecurity, technical support, and operational oversight to enhance the City’s technology systems.
2024 Supplier List
As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, Council received the 2024 Supplier List, which details payments made by the City to suppliers from January 1 to December 31, 2024. The list includes payments for goods, services, grants, operational costs, and tax requisitions, as approved in the 2024-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw. To view current bidding opportunities with the City, visit BC Bid.
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
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