Council Highlights – March 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
Doctors & Nurses for Planetary Health – Kootenay Boundary and West Kootenay Climate Hub – Accelerating Zero Carbon Step Code
Council received a presentation from Laura Sacks and Dr. Amy Rudkoski regarding accelerating the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) in Castlegar to support electrified new homes and buildings. The presentation highlighted the benefits of low-carbon energy systems, including improved energy efficiency, reduced indoor air pollution, and long-term cost savings for homeowners. The delegation requested that Council consider adopting a bylaw to support a transition to electrified new builds. Council asked the group to submit their request in writing for inclusion in a future agenda package.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:01:02 mark
HomeSave Central Kootenays – Energy Retrofit Support Program
Council received a presentation from Theo Harvey and Carmen Procter regarding the HomeSave Central Kootenays program, delivered through a partnership between the City of Nelson and the Regional District of Central Kootenay. The program helps residents complete home energy retrofits by providing guidance, access to rebates, and optional financing. The presentation outlined how the program connects residents with incentives and supports energy upgrades that reduce household energy use and costs.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:25:28 mark
DISCUSSION & DECISIONS
2026 FCM Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Program (Report No. 26-19)
Council considered a report seeking endorsement of an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Program for up to $70,000. If successful, the City would participate in a collaborative project to develop a Climate Risk Assessment and Prioritized Adaptation Plan to better understand and respond to climate-related risks such as flooding, wildfire, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The recommendation will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the March 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:51:10 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026 UBCM Local Government Development Approvals Program (Report No. 26-18)
Council approved a report seeking endorsement of an application to the Union of BC Municipalities Local Government Development Approvals Program. The proposed project would support an Infill Housing Program to expand housing options and streamline development approvals. If successful, the City could receive up to $200,000 in funding, with staff responsible for managing the grant on the City’s behalf.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00 56:32mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Update on Proposed Disc Golf Course in Kinnaird Park (Report No. 26-21)
Council received an update regarding the proposed disc golf course project in Kinnaird Park. Staff advised that the Kootenay Rockies Disc Golf Society has elected to withdraw from pursuing the project, and Council received the report for information.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 02:22:56 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Reduced Traffic Speed Limit Pilot – 5th Avenue (Report No. 26-22)
Council considered a report seeking authorization to continue baseline data collection and to initiate a reduced-traffic-speed limit pilot program on 5th Avenue South. The recommendation will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the March 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 02:26:17 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
BYLAWS
South Sewage Treatment Plant North Train Renewal Project Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1451 (Report No. 26-20)
Council considered the South Sewage Treatment Plant North Train Renewal Project Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1451 at the Committee of the Whole Meeting and subsequently gave the bylaw first, second and third readings at the Regular Council Meeting. The bylaw authorizes the borrowing of $6,939,000 to fund the North Train Renewal Project at the South Sewage Treatment Plant and will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at a future Regular Council Meeting following approval from the Inspector of Municipalities.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:09:07 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1449 (Report No. 26-13)
Council considered Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1449 at the Committee of the Whole meeting and subsequently gave the bylaw first, second and third readings at the Regular Council Meeting. The bylaw regulates matters related to public space, noise, nuisance, health and safety, and community well-being, and will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the March 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:21:36 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED
At the March 2, 2026, Regular Council Meeting, Council adopted recommendations brought forward from the Committee of the Whole Meetings on February 2 and February 17, including:
- Approval of Development Variance Permit 26-01 to allow a fence height variance in accordance with the City of Castlegar Zoning Bylaw No. 1428.
- Appointment of Nicole Brown as Chief Election Officer and Nikki Zimmerman as Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2026 Local Government Election.
- Approval of compensation rates for election officials and voting place staff for the 2026 Local Government Election.
- Appointment of Dan Rye, Jo-Ann Bursey, and Stuart Ady to a Council Remuneration Committee to conduct an independent review of stipends, indemnities, expense allowances, per diems and travel expenses paid to members of Council; and
- Adoption of the Council Remuneration Review Committee Terms of Reference.
To learn more about the background of the adopted recommendations and watch the related discussions, residents can review the Council Highlights from February 2 and February 17.
COMMUNITY
Request to Illuminate the Kinnaird Overpass – Epilepsy Awareness
Council approved a request from the BC Epilepsy Society to illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass lights in purple on March 26, 2026, in recognition of Epilepsy Awareness.
Letter of Support – Nelson ANKORS ReDi Grant Application
Council received, for information, a request from Nelson ANKORS for a letter of support for their 2026 ReDi grant application. The ReDi Grant applications for 2026 have closed.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:06:10 mark
LED Headlights Safety Concerns
Council resolved to send a letter to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities supporting the City of Vancouver’s resolution calling for stronger national regulations related to vehicle headlights, including limits on brightness, beam pattern, mounting height, and improved oversight of high-intensity and aftermarket lighting.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:06:31 mark
Forestry is a Solution Initiative
Council resolved to send a letter to the BC Council of Forest Industries in support of the “Forestry is a Solution” initiative.
📺Watch the discussion at the 00:11:02 mark
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
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