Council Highlights – March 17, 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.
2024 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program Application
Council endorsed a revised $200,000 funding application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for the 2024 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program.
Originally submitted in July 2024 as a partnership with the RDCK, the application was revised to establish an independent FireSmart program tailored to Castlegar’s wildfire mitigation needs.
If successful, the funding will support:
- A dedicated staff position for wildfire risk assessments, mitigation planning, and public education.
- Training additional FireSmart representatives within the Castlegar Fire Department.
- Developing a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan aligned with current standards.
- FireSmart home assessments and rebates for local property owners.
This initiative will strengthen Castlegar’s wildfire preparedness as a high-risk wildland-urban interface community.
South Sewage Treatment Plant North Train Renewal – Contract Award
Council awarded the South Sewage Treatment Plant (SSTP) North Train Renewal pre-construction contract to Chandos Construction LP for $64,000 plus applicable taxes.
The North Train, which was built 50 years ago, has been out of service since upgrades were completed to the South Train in the mid-2000s. With population growth and stricter regulations, the City is moving forward with bringing it back into service.
Chandos will assist 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.
Road Line Painting Services Agreement Extension
Council approved a two-year extension of the Road Line Painting Services Agreement with Aardvark Pavement Marking Services for $103,904 in 2025 and $107,021 in 2026.
Road markings are repainted annually to maintain visibility and ensure road safety. The City initially awarded the contract to Aardvark in 2022 following a Request for Quotes (RFQ) process. The agreement allowed for an extension, and Aardvark has met all service expectations with competitive pricing. The approved extension keeps 2025 pricing the same as 2024 and includes a 3% increase for 2026, which aligns with forecasted Municipal Price Index trends.
Professional Tree Trimming Services Agreement Extension
Council approved a one-year, $65,000 extension of the Professional Tree Trimming Services Agreement with Glacier Valley Tree Care Ltd., extending the contract to December 31, 2025.
The City relies on specialized tree trimming services for hazardous tree assessments, aerial trimming, and stump removal. Glacier Valley has consistently met expectations, and its 3% rate increase aligns with industry standards. Funding is included in the 2025-2029 Financial Plan.
COMMUNITY
Council received and approved the following requests for support:
- Castlegar Interact Rotary Club – Approved $5,000 in financial support toward constructing an outdoor basketball court, with funding from the Community Enhancement Fund.
- Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada – Approved a request to illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass blue in September for prostate cancer awareness.
BYLAWS
2025 Residential Curbside Collection & Disposal Amendment Bylaw No. 1433
Council gave first, second, and third readings to 2025 Residential Curbside Collection & Disposal Amendment Bylaw No. 1433, which updates the City’s curbside collection rates.
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.
Key updates include:
- Garbage collection fee increase from $128.40 to $140.89.
- Organics collection fee increase from $132.87 to $157.33.
- Recycling collection fee decrease from $27.73 to $6.93 due to an increased incentive from Recycle BC.
- Yard waste facility fee decrease from $33.18 to $8.30, with the facility set to close on March 31, 2025. The $8.30 funds operations for the first quarter of 2025.
The new rates take effect on April 1, 2025, and will appear on utility bills mailed in July 2025 for the April–June billing period.
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1435
Council gave third reading and adoption to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1435, which updates Zoning Bylaw No. 1428 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. This change supports the City’s commitment to increasing affordable housing options by leveraging public lands for housing development. A public hearing was not required under the Local Government Act, as the amendment strictly pertains to residential use.
West Kootenay Regional Airport Apron Rehabilitation and Taxiway Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 1437
Council adopted West Kootenay Regional Airport Apron Rehabilitation and Taxiway Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 1437, which authorizes temporary borrowing of $1.38 million for the apron rehabilitation and taxiway extension project. The bylaw allows the City to borrow funds temporarily, pending the issuance of long-term debt, ensuring the project moves forward without delay. The borrowed funds will be repaid from long-term debt proceeds once issued.
2025 Revenue Anticipation Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1438
Council adopted 2025 Revenue Anticipation Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1438, which authorizes the City to borrow up to $7 million in short-term financing through the Municipal Finance Authority.
This 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.
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
Communications