Council Highlights – June 9, 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.
DELEGATIONS
Castlegar-Embetsu Educational Exchange Committee
Council welcomed a delegation from the Castlegar-Embetsu Educational Exchange Committee. The group shared plans for their upcoming trip to Embetsu and thanked Council for its ongoing support.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:00:18 mark
COMMUNITY WELLNESS, SAFETY & DEVELOPMENT
Castlegar Fire Department Terms of Employment Policy Updated
Council approved repealing and replacing the Castlegar Fire Department Terms of Employment Policy 3-1. The updated Policy introduces a tiered pay structure to enhance recruitment, retention, and career development for paid-on-call members. The new structure recognizes advanced training and qualifications—such as NFPA 1001 certification—and reflects recommendations from the City’s 2024 Fire Services Review aimed at strengthening sustainable emergency services.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:02:10 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
Development Permit with Variance 3-25 (2241 6th Avenue)
Council considered a Development Permit with Variance for the proposed construction of a small warehouse at 2241 6th Avenue. The permit includes variances to reduce the rear setback, parking setbacks, and the number of required parking spaces. This will be considered for approval at the July 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting following an opportunity for public feedback.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:29:01 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES
2025 Q2 Community Grant Applications
Council approved the following community grants:
- $500 to the Kootenay Robusters for the Robuster calendar.
- $1,000 to Girls on Boards for the Harvest Jam Skate Contest.
- $1,000 to Can Jam Link-Up for the Jamaican Feed Festival Fundraiser.
- $1,980 to the West Kootenay Timberwolves Lacrosse Program.
Council denied the request for $2,500 from the Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation as it did not align with the City’s grant policy. The grant-in-aid program supports specific projects or events held in Castlegar that benefit a significant portion of Castlegar residents, and Castlegar residents are currently not participating in the program.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:18:44 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Request for Quotations 25-13 2025 Drainage Improvements – Recommendation for Award
Council awarded the 2025 Drainage Improvements contract to Kays Road Contracting Ltd. for $69,490 plus applicable taxes. This addresses areas of the City that lack adequate stormwater management and where drainage issues create public nuisances or risk of damage to City or private property. In 2025, upgrades will focus on four priority locations: 1015 7th Avenue, 2629 9th Avenue, 400 28th Street, and 2825 5th Avenue.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:43:25 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
Community Engagement for a Proposed Disc Golf Course in Kinnaird Park
Council approved a user group-led community engagement process for the proposed disc golf course at Kinnaird Park. The engagement will be coordinated by the West Kootenay Disc Golf Society (WKDGS) and will likely include public notification, local advertising, and hosting a community open house to gather feedback. Some Council members also offered to be present at various engagement opportunities to support the process.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:45:02 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
Approval In Principle to Install a Painted Mural on the Sherbiko Hill Retaining Wall
Council approved the installation of a vibrant mural on the Sherbiko Hill retaining wall in partnership with Castlegar Communities in Bloom. This project aims to enhance the visual appeal of a key community gateway while celebrating local creativity. The mural is anticipated to be completed in time for the Communities in Bloom judging on July 22.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:55:00 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
Corporate Services