2025 Year in Review
In 2025, Council focused on making progress on the issues that residents talk to us about most. We worked to strengthen the City’s internal operations and service delivery through the development of the City’s first Organizational Plan, while also moving forward on projects that shape daily life in Castlegar, from parks and recreation spaces to road improvements and the housing development underway at 925 Columbia Avenue.
Throughout the year, Council advanced a wide range of priorities across the community. This included the decision to prepare the Eremenko site for future residential and mixed-use development, continued investment in infrastructure, such as wastewater and drainage, growth in local businesses, including several new restaurants with several more preparing to open, and real progress at the airport, from terminal planning to improved passenger services. Much of this work builds on community-informed master plans that help guide what we do, when we do it, and why. Although not every project is finished, we continue to make steady progress.
I want to thank the Council, City staff, volunteers, and community partners for the service and leadership that they bring to their work every day. Together, we are focused on making decisions that serve Castlegar now and into the future. We are truly better together.
Principles & Accomplishments
Principle 1 Governance & Service Excellence
City Council makes difficult decisions in the best long-term interest of the community.
We manage assets and infrastructure with fiscal prudence, using business-minded and long-term perspectives. Our actions are guided by community-informed master plans, which provide clarity of what we do and when and why.
Accomplishments
- Developed the City’s first Organizational Plan, establishing a mission, vision, values, and pillars to guide culture, planning, and service delivery. The plan aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan and includes a comprehensive Action Plan.
- Advanced the Liquid Waste Management Plan, completing technical work and engagement and preparing the Stage 1 report for Council consideration and provincial review.
- Completed upgrades at the South Sewage Treatment Plant, including foaming mitigation, and progress on the North Train Renewal to strengthen reliability and regulatory compliance.
- Received the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program grant for a $400,000 Flood Plain Mapping and Climate Change Hazard Assessment project, which will update floodplain maps, assess climate-driven risks, and strengthen emergency preparedness.
- Completed localized drainage improvements, addressing long-standing stormwater challenges and improving neighbourhood-level resiliency.
- Promoted community-wide registration for Voyent Alert! and City News, improving access to timely information about public safety, City initiatives, and Council decisions.
- Awarded a new Information Technology Managed Services contract and began implementing enhanced IT support, improving system reliability, security, and organizational capacity.
Principle 2 A Future with Affordable Homes for All
We are in a housing crisis. The City of Castlegar is committed to doing everything it can to ensure the mix of housing the community needs. The City has the courage to step outside of our traditional role and take action to make housing happen. We continually minimize and reduce barriers and bureaucracy to support development.
Accomplishments
- Advanced the 925 Columbia Avenue Housing Project, progressing design with BC Housing and Lu’ma Developments and supporting the transition into construction, including the contractor-led demolition of the Pioneer Arena.
- Advanced redevelopment of 310 Columbia Avenue (former Eremenko Building) by funding the demolition and progressing planning and design work for future mixed-use housing.
- Implemented the Accessory Dwelling Unit Program, making it easier for homeowners to add secondary units and expanding small-scale housing options.
Principle 3 Quality of Life
Castlegar is a community that values an exceptional quality of life. With a small-town feel, we strive to be a place that people are proud to call home, conduct their business in, and have fun in. Our community embraces diversity, and values volunteerism and social service agencies. We celebrate a natural environment that offers world-class recreational opportunities.
Accomplishments
- Delivered a Council-approved $250,000 paving program on Columbia Avenue, improving road quality, safety, and long-term asset management.
- Finalized the Brandson Park Renewal design, informed by community engagement and preparing the project for construction in spring 2026.
- Completed the Mosquito Field fence replacement, improving safety and usability for community recreation.
- Delivered major community events, including Canada Day and Winter Wonderland.
- Participated in community events such as the West Kootenay Trade Show, IRIS Seniors Expos, and Castlegar Community Connects Day.
- Supported WildSafeBC community education, including Harvest Match and bin-tagging, to help reduce wildlife attractants and encourage safe coexistence in neighbourhoods.
- Supported community-led recreation projects, including a new outdoor basketball court at Millennium Park & Ponds, guidance on a potential disc golf course, and continued discussion on the Dog Park Society gazebo proposal.
- Led the Eco-Link Feasibility Study, confirming technical feasibility for a bridge or gondola connection between Selkirk College and downtown and outlining next steps.
- Supported installation of the new Sherbiko Hill retaining wall mural with Communities in Bloom, adding a vibrant public art feature along a key roadway.
Principle 4 WK Regional Airport Excellence
West Kootenay Regional Airport is the gateway between the West Kootenay and the world. It is a catalyst for regional economic growth and opportunities. Focused on growing and improving services, West Kootenay Regional Airport will be the choice for air travel to the West Kootenay area. We are committed to improving reliability and moving beyond the reputation of Cancelgar.
Accomplishments
- Awarded the architectural services contract for the Air Terminal Building Expansion, advancing a major multi-year project that will improve the travel experience by modernizing the terminal and expanding passenger capacity.
- Promoted and supported Air Canada’s flight disruption shuttle, helping passengers maintain travel continuity during weather-related cancellations.
- Strengthened the airport’s financial position by updating agreements with passenger-service providers, including securing a new on-site car rental service and continuing café operations.
Principle 5 Access to Healthcare
Castlegar residents have an inherent right to healthcare. The City is dedicated to stepping outside its traditional role to ensure all residents have access to the healthcare they need – now and in the future. The City is committed to advocating for healthcare in the community and addressing emerging issues.
Accomplishments
- Continued advancing the 925 Columbia Avenue Housing and Healthcare Project, supporting design development and partner coordination to bring new primary care and community health services to Castlegar.
- Advocated for improved healthcare access, engaging provincial partners and service providers to address emerging local healthcare challenges.
- Approved a Temporary Use Permit for BC Housing to operate a 20-bed permanent emergency shelter at 2245 6th Avenue, supporting vulnerable residents’ access to essential services.
- Awarded a new multi-year physician recruitment contract to the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce, continued advocacy for improved access to primary care, and participated in strategic planning through the Physician Recruitment Committee to guide recruitment efforts over the coming years.
Principle 6 A Prosperous City
Our position as the centre of the West Kootenay creates opportunities for diverse economic growth that benefits Castlegar and the region. We are committed to creating an environment where all sizes of industry and businesses can be successful. We will carefully plan for growth and development and build strategic partnerships.
Accomplishments
- Welcomed the grand opening of Kalesnikoff’s 100,000 sq. ft. mass-timber prefabrication and modular facility, a $30 million investment that brings jobs to the region and strengthens Castlegar’s role in sustainable, value-added manufacturing.
- Advanced downtown revitalization by awarding the contract for demolition of the Eremenko Building at 310 Columbia Avenue, preparing the site for future residential and mixed-use development.
- Experienced strong economic growth, with building permit values rising to $33.8 million year-to-date—nearly double from 2024—and significant increases in multi-family construction. 2025 saw new commercial developments, with five new restaurants opening, alongside steady business licensing activity.
- Initiated a downtown parking study to proactively support future growth by aligning bylaws with the Community Plan and ensuring development is supported by appropriate parking management.
Corporate Services