Council Highlights – February 2, 2026
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 Community Services Society – West Kootenay Volunteer Driver Program
Council received a presentation from Reidun Rosi and Sandy McCreight on behalf of the Castlegar Community Services Society outlining the growing demand for the West Kootenay Volunteer Driver Program. The presentation highlighted the program’s role in providing door-to-door medical transportation across the region, the increase in demand for rides, and current funding limitations. Council heard how the City could support the program through advocacy, partnerships, and potential future funding considerations.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:00:53 mark
DISCUSSION & DECISIONS
Development Variance Permit 26-01 – 2309 5th Avenue (Report No. 26-09)
Council considered Development Variance Permit 26-01 to allow a fence height variance at 2309 5th Avenue. The permit would authorize an increase in the maximum front yard fence height from 1.2 metres to 1.82 metres, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit. Following Council’s consideration, the application will now be referred to neighbouring properties for notification and comment.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:09:50 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026–2028 Organizational Plan & Action Plan (Report No. 26-10)
Council received for information the City of Castlegar’s 2026–2028 Organizational Plan and 2026–2028 Action Plan, which outlines organizational priorities, key initiatives, and actions to guide the City’s work over the next three years and support Council’s Strategic Plan.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:35:52 📄 Read the Staff Report 📄 Read the Plan
2026 Community Group Funding Requests (Report No. 26-07)
Council directed staff to include funding requests from three community organizations in the 2026–2030 Financial Plan for consideration through the budget process, including:
- Annual funding for the Castlegar & District Heritage Society, phased in over three years, along with a one-time contribution for refurbishment projects;
- Annual funding for the Castlegar & District Public Library, including a property tax-funded increase in 2026; and
- An increased contribution to the Castlegar Festival Society, including a one-time incremental increase.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:43:43 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
South Sewage Treatment Plant – North Train Renewal Preconstruction Financing (Report No. 26-08)
Council approved borrowing up to $975,000 from the Municipal Finance Authority to fund works and services related to the North Train Renewal Project at the South Sewage Treatment Plant. The loan is to be repaid over five years.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:57:55 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Temporary Use Permit 2-25 – Arrow Building Supplies 2240 6th Avenue (Report No. 26-04)
Council approved Temporary Use Permit 2-25 to allow an Industrial – Light use at 2240 6th Avenue within the C3: Corridor Mixed Use zone for furniture manufacturing. The permit is approved for a three-year term.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:24:59 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
COMMUNITY
Correspondence – Selkirk Innovates: Stories to Solutions Project
Council considered correspondence from Jayme Jones of Selkirk Innovates requesting that the City participate as a partner in the Stories to Solutions: A Collaborative Regional Response to Rural Homelessness project. Following the discussion, Council directed staff to decline the request to participate as a project partner.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:27:35 mark
Request to Illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass – National Dental Hygienists Week
Council approved a request to illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass lights in purple from April 4–10, 2026, in recognition of National Dental Hygienists Week.
Request to Illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass – World Parkinson’s Day
Council approved a request to illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass lights in medium blue on April 11, 2026, in recognition of World Parkinson’s Day.
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