Council Highlights – March 23, 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.
DISCUSSION & DECISIONS
Request for Proposal 2026-03 Command Unit/Emergency Response Unit – Recommendation for Award (Report No. 26-29)
Council approved a report to award Request for Proposal 2026-03 to AM Ford in the amount of $60,358 plus applicable taxes for a new Command Unit/Emergency Response Unit. Council also approved borrowing up to $110,000 through the Municipal Finance Authority to finance the vehicle and all associated accessories, to be repaid within five years.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:02:35 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
PractiCar Rental Airport Concession License Renewal (Report No. 26-23)
Council approved a report to enter into a license agreement with J.J.H. Enterprises Ltd. (PractiCar) for a two-year term with an optional one-year extension at the West Kootenay Regional Airport.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:10:13 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026 Exempt Staff and Castlegar Volunteer Fire Department Compensation Adjustment (Report No. 26-24)
Council considered a report to adjust the exempt staff compensation grid and Castlegar Volunteer Fire Department stipends by 2.1% for 2026. The recommendation will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the April 7, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:16:14 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Appointment of the 2026 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel and Scheduling of the Parcel Tax Roll Review Meeting (Report No. 26-28)
Council considered a report to appoint the Director of Finance & Technology, Manager of Financial Services, Chief Administrative Officer or their designates to the 2026 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel, and to establish the date and time of the 2026 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel meeting to be Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The recommendation will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the April 7, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:20:11 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Understanding Water Notifications -Staff Presentation
Council received a presentation from Aaron Geck, Assistant Manager – Utilities, regarding water quality notifications, including Water Quality Advisories and Boil Water Notices. The presentation outlined how notifications are determined in consultation with Interior Health and how the City communicates with residents through tools such as Voyent Alert!, the City website, and other communication channels. It also highlighted the upcoming North Well backup water supply test and associated precautionary Water Quality Advisory.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:44:10mark
Request for Quotations 2026-04 Short-Term Biosolids Dewatering Solution – Recommendation for Award (Report No. 26-25)
Council approved a report to award Request for Quotations 2026-04 to Fournier Industries Inc. in the amount of $379,000 plus applicable taxes for a short-term biosolids dewatering solution.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:00:38 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Request for Proposals 2026-01 Biosolids Dewatering & Management Study and Detailed Design – Recommendation for Award (Report No. 26-26)
Council approved a report to award Request for Proposals 2026-01 to Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. in the amount of $271,318 plus applicable taxes for a biosolids dewatering and management study and detailed design.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:19:02 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
BYLAWS
Storm Water Management Parcel Tax Roll Bylaw No. 1452 (Report No. 26-28)
Council gave first, second, and third readings to Storm Water Management Parcel Tax Roll Bylaw No. 1452. The bylaw will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the April 7, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:20:06 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1455 (Report No. 26-30)
Council gave first, second, and third readings to the 2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1455. The bylaw will be brought forward for Council consideration of adoption at the April 7, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:37:20 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1449 (Report No. 26-13)
Council adopted Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 1449, which regulates matters related to public space, noise, nuisance, health and safety, and community well-being.
📺 Watch the original presentation from March 2 at the 01:21:36 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED
At the March 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting, Council adopted recommendations brought forward from the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 2, and the Special Open Budget Meeting on March 5, including:
- Endorsement of an application to the 2026 intake of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Program for up to $70,000 in support of a Climate Risk Assessment and Prioritized Adaptation Plan;
- Receipt for information of Report 26-21 advising that the Kootenay Rockies Disc Golf Society has elected to withdraw from pursuing a disc golf course in Kinnaird Park;
- Direction to staff to continue with baseline data collection and initiate a reduced traffic speed limit pilot program on 5th Avenue South;
- Direction to staff to prepare a report exploring the potential and costs associated with building a sani-dump at the Castlegar baseball field located near the rec centre.
To learn more about the background of the adopted recommendations and to watch the related discussions, residents can review the March 2, 2026 Council Highlights.
COMMUNITY
Zero Carbon Step Code Correspondence
Council discussed correspondence from Doctors & Nurses for Planetary Health and the West Kootenay Climate Hub regarding the Zero Carbon Step Code.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:06:00 mark
Request to Illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass – National Laboratory Week
Council approved a request to illuminate the Kinnaird Interchange Overpass lights in purple on April 15, 2026, in recognition of National Laboratory Week.
Castlegar Villa Society ReDi Grant – Change of Scope and Extension
Council approved a request from the Castlegar Villa Society to change the scope and extend their combined 2023 and 2024 ReDi grant projects to June 30, 2027.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:11:27 mark
Millennium Park AED Request (Pickleball Community)
Council discussed correspondence regarding a request for an automated external defibrillator (AED) and review of emergency supplies at Millennium Park recreation areas.
📺 Watch the discussion at the 00:12:16 mark
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