Council Highlights – July 14, 2025
Council Highlights offer a summary of key decisions made by Council that help shape Castlegar’s future. They’re designed to keep you informed about important initiatives, policy updates, and the progress of City priorities. This is part of our commitment to transparency and helping residents stay connected to the work of Council.
Funding Requests
Castlegar Community Services Funding Request – Outreach Services
Council received a $10,000 funding request from Castlegar Community Services (CCS) to extend local outreach services for three months. These services support individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them access basic needs, connect with resources, and provides support for relocation and encampment clean-up.
The funding will support:
- A two-person outreach team and manager, on shift three days per week
- Supplies and refreshments to support relocation and resourcing
- Insurance, vehicle fuel, office expenses, and administration
With limited emergency bed capacity and a growing number of unhoused residents, this extension helps bridge the gap until the City’s new permanent shelter opens. It also supports public safety by reducing non-emergency calls to RCMP, BC Ambulance, the Castlegar Fire Department, and Bylaw Enforcement staff.
The request will be considered for approval at the August 11, 2025 Regular Council meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:27:00 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
Funding Request for Two-Year Term Building Official Position
Council approved a budget amendment bylaw to re-allocate surplus building inspection revenue to fund a two-year term Building Official position.
The new position will help address increased building permit volumes and more complex development applications by ensuring timely inspections and permit processing. The role is intended for a candidate with Level 2 Building Inspection and Level 1 Plumbing Inspection certification. The position will be fully funded through building permit revenue surpluses—no taxation increase is required.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:29:18 mark
📄 Read the Staff Report
Community
Eco-Link Feasibility Study Presentation
Council received a presentation from Urban Systems, a community planning and engineering firm, on the Eco-Link Feasibility Study, which explored the potential for a dedicated active transportation connection—such as a bridge or aerial ropeway (gondola)—over the Columbia River between Selkirk College and downtown Castlegar.
This study was commissioned through a combination of grants and funding by ETSI-BC, Columbia Basin Trust, StellerVista Credit Union, Sunrise Rotary Club, and the City of Castlegar. Selkirk College was a supporting partner, contributing insights, and participated throughout the study’s development.
The study confirms that creating a connection is feasible and provides a credible foundation for further exploration.
Council directed staff to bring forward a report to the 2026 budget discussions exploring next steps and costs of potentially including the Eco-Link project in the City’s five-year financial plan.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:24:50 mark
Citizen Survey Timing
Council approved the timing for the City’s first citizen survey to take place in late 2026, with subsequent surveys to be conducted every two years to ensure the City consistently gathers updated resident feedback. Final adoption of this recommendation is scheduled for the August 11, 2025 Regular Council meeting..
Citizen surveys are a best practice used by local governments to gather statistically valid feedback on quality of life, satisfaction with services, and community priorities. Delaying the launch to late 2026 ensures the results can directly inform the next Council’s 2028–2032 Strategic Plan, avoids overlap with the 2026 municipal election, and allows time for meaningful analysis and action.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:53:10 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