Council Highlights – November 3, 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.
DELEGATIONS
Castlegar Cricket Club
Dharmesh Manuja, Paramveer Bagga, Maddy and Savan Bhatt, representing the Castlegar Cricket Club, presented a proposal for construction of a community cricket pitch. They highlighted the sport’s growing popularity in Castlegar, the absence of a dedicated pitch in the area, and the potential for local tournaments to attract visitors and promote active recreation. Proposed locations include the Millennium Park soccer field and a field adjacent to Kinnaird Park Community Church. Council suggested that the group also present their proposal to the Recreation Commission regarding potential field use opportunities within the region.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:00:15 mark
Castlegar Communities in Bloom
Darlene Kalawsky and Val Field, on behalf of Castlegar Communities in Bloom, presented the City with the Class of Champions Award, recognizing the community’s long-standing excellence in the national program. They thanked City staff, Civic Works, volunteers, and community members for more than 21 years of ongoing support and encouraged participation in the holiday planter challenge for the planters outside City Hall.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:18:00 mark
DISCUSSION & DECISIONS
Municipal Services Department Verbal Update – South Sewage Treatment Plant (SSTP)
Aaron Geck, Assistant Manager – Utilities, presented an update on operations at the South Sewage Treatment Plant and the City’s ongoing work to address biosolid management and odour issues associated with the site. Highlights included an overview of where odours typically originate at treatment plants, a review of the geotube system used for biosolid management, and a summary outlining that the geotube system has not met expected performance for biosolids dewatering and odour mitigation. Mr. Geck outlined next steps, including planned communications, the continued development of the Liquid Waste Management Plan and investigating options to replace the geotube system with a more effective solution.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:45:38 mark
Emergency Treatment Fund Application (Report No. 25-83)
Council endorsed an application to the Emergency Treatment Fund in the amount of $400,000. If successful, funding will support the continuation of Castlegar Community Services’ Street Outreach and Community Hub programs, which provide harm-reduction supplies, on-the-ground support, and low-barrier daytime services for vulnerable community members. The grant will also fund the purchase of a new outreach van and support coordination of the Castlegar Integrated Services Collaborative.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:09:20 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026 Celebrate Canada Program (Report No. 25-80)
Council passed a recommendation for staff to submit a funding application for up to $15,000 to the Department of Canadian Heritage – Celebrate Canada Program to support 2026 Canada Day celebrations. The formal resolution will be considered for adoption at the November 17, 2025 meeting.
The annual event, coordinated by the Cultural & Civic Pride Committee with support from volunteers and community organizations, brings residents together for family-friendly activities, food vendors, entertainment, and music at Millennium Park & Ponds. The grant would help offset event costs and ensure the City can continue delivering a high-quality celebration enjoyed by the community each year.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:22:54 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Travel Authorization – BC Council of Forest Industries 2026 Convention (Report No. 25-84)
Council passed a recommendation for Mayor Maria McFaddin to attend the 2026 BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Annual Convention in Vancouver from April 8 – 10, 2026, with travel expenses to be allocated from the 2026 Council Conferences budget. The formal resolution will be considered for adoption at the November 17, 2025 meeting.
The COFI Convention is western Canada’s largest forestry sector gathering, bringing together industry, government, and community leaders to discuss issues and opportunities facing BC’s forest industry. Attendance supports Council’s ongoing advocacy for economic development, housing innovation, and sustainable forestry partnerships identified in the City’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:30:40 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Brandson Park Design Concept (Report No. 25-79)
Council approved the Brandson Neighbourhood Park design concept for a project cost of $327,000 with a project budget increase of $68,000 in the 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan with funding contribution from the Game Host Agreement Reserves, which are contributed from gaming centre revenue and may be used for projects that benefit the community.
The design which reflects the priorities from the extensive community engagement includes a playground for all ages, accessible pathways, seating and picnic areas, and landscaping that preserves existing trees while adding new plantings. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2026.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:29:48 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2025 Council Strategic Plan Implementation Report – Quarter 3 Update (Report No. 25-81)
Council received for information the 2025 Council Strategic Plan Implementation Report – Quarter 3 Update, which summarizes work completed and underway between July and September 2025. The update highlights continued progress on major City initiatives including the Airport Terminal Building Expansion, Liquid Waste Management Plan, and Parks Asset Management Plan.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:34:17 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
BYLAWS
Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Letter of Consent – Castlegar and Area Indoor Aquatic Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 3061
Council provided consent on behalf of the City of Castlegar electors to the Board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to adopt Bylaw No. 3061 – Castlegar and Area Indoor Aquatic Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amendment Bylaw No. 3061, 2025. The bylaw updates the service area’s establishment to reflect current boundaries and governance requirements within the Regional District framework.
Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Castlegar and District Regional Facilities, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Service Amendment Bylaw No. 3062
Council provided consent on behalf of the City of Castlegar electors to the Board of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to adopt Bylaw No. 3062 – Castlegar and District Regional Facilities, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Service Amendment Bylaw No. 3062, 2025. The bylaw updates service area provisions for recreation and leisure services within the Castlegar and District area to ensure alignment with current RDCK governance requirements.
COMMUNITY
Animal Control Bylaw – Request to Include Ducks
Council considered correspondence from a resident requesting that ducks be included as permitted backyard poultry under the Animal Control Bylaw. Council chose to maintain the current definition of poultry, which does not include ducks, and directed staff to respond to the resident regarding this decision.
Castlegar Curling Club – Parking Request
Council received correspondence from the Castlegar Curling Club regarding the development of additional parking spaces at the rear of the Curling Club building. Council directed staff to follow up with the Club to explore parking options.
BC/Yukon Command – Military Service Recognition Book
Council reviewed correspondence from the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion requesting the City purchase an advertisement in the 21st Annual Edition of the Military Service Recognition Book. Council noted the request was from the broader command rather than the local branch and received the correspondence for information
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