Council Highlights – July 13, 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.
DELEGATION
Castlegar Curling Club Parking Request
Representatives from the Castlegar Curling Club presented to Council regarding parking needs associated with the redevelopment of the former Pioneer Arena site. The delegation outlined the club’s history, volunteer operations, and current parking requirements, and requested a long-term agreement to ensure adequate parking adjacent to the curling facility as redevelopment plans move forward. The presentation emphasized the importance of maintaining parking access to support the club’s approximately 300 members and ongoing community programming.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:00:28 mark
DISCUSSION & DECISIONS
Millennium Ponds Update
Council received a presentation from the Manager of Engineering & Infrastructure regarding ongoing efforts to better understand and address recurring algae blooms at Millennium Park & Ponds. The presentation outlined operational changes implemented for the 2026 season, including increased water circulation, water-quality monitoring, temporary closure of Pond 1, and measures to reduce Canada goose activity. Staff advised monitoring and data collection will continue throughout the season, with results and recommendations to be presented to Council following a year-end review.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:01:10 mark
Board of Variance & Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw Updates (Report No. 26-54)
Council gave First, Second and Third Readings to Advisory Planning Commission Repeal Bylaw No. 1463 and Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1464 and reviewed the Board of Variance Terms of Reference. The changes follow a review of the City’s development approval processes and recent legislative updates. Staff advised that the Advisory Planning Commission has not met in approximately three years and is no longer required due to changes in provincial legislation, updated City bylaws, and the expansion of staff-delegated approvals.
The new Board of Variance Bylaw modernizes the process by which property owners can seek relief from certain land-use regulations when compliance would create undue hardship. Updates include revised application requirements, updated notification procedures, hybrid and recorded hearings, clearer decision-making criteria, and improved public accessibility and transparency. If adopted, the new Board of Variance Bylaw and Terms of Reference will replace the City’s existing bylaw and provide updated guidance for Board operations.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:09:51 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Travel Authorization – Ktunaxa Nation Council 2026 Annual General Assembly (Report No. 26-61)
Council authorized Deputy Mayor Brian Bogle and Councillor Shirley Falstead to attend the Ktunaxa Nation Council 2026 Annual General Assembly in Creston on July 15 and 16, 2026. Attendance supports the City’s commitment to reconciliation and to ongoing relationship-building with Indigenous communities and regional partners.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:31:01 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026 Q2 Community Grant Applications (Report No. 26-59)
Council approved Community Grant funding for four local organizations:
- Can Jam Link-Up Festival 2026 – $1,500
- Castlegar Girls on Boards Harvest Jam Skate Contest – $1,300
- Kootenay Robusters Calendar – $500
- Royal Canadian Legion Castlegar/Robson Branch 170 and Ladies Auxiliary commercial freezer project – $5,000
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:37:11 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2025 Annual Report (Report No. 26-53)
Council approved the release of the draft 2025 Annual Report, including the City’s 2025 Audited Financial Statements, and scheduled the Annual Meeting for August 10, 2026. Residents will have an opportunity to review the report and provide feedback before Council’s annual meeting required under the Community Charter.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:50:30 mark 📄 Read the Annual Report
Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project – Funding of Project Development Costs (Report No. 26-60)
Council approved funding from the Growing Communities Fund Reserve to support the next phase of the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project. Approved funding includes $36,750 to support the addition of a third qualified proponent in the Stage 2 Negotiated Request for Proposals process, $13,230 for public engagement activities, and $66,150 for a geotechnical assessment required to advance the project.
Council also authorized staff to continue working with the Regional District of Central Kootenay and Electoral Area J to confirm final cost-sharing amounts and bring forward any required amendments to the City’s 2026-2030 financial plan. The funding supports continued planning, technical assessments, and community engagement for the proposed regional recreation facility
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:53:23 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Utility and Service Truck Purchases (Reports No. 26-55, 26-56 and 26-57)
Council approved the purchase of one utility truck and two service trucks from A.M. Ford Sales Ltd. for use by Municipal Services. The purchases are part of the City’s fleet replacement program and support the continued delivery of infrastructure maintenance and municipal services throughout the community.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:16:55 mark 📄 Read the Staff Reports
BYLAWS
Council Expense Allowance Amendment Bylaw No. 1460
Council adopted Council Expense Allowance Amendment Bylaw No. 1460, which updates expense allowances for members of Council effective when the newly elected Council takes office following the 2026 local government election.
Council Indemnity Amendment Bylaw No. 1461
Council adopted Council Indemnity Amendment Bylaw No. 1461, which updates Council remuneration provisions effective when the newly elected Council takes office in November 2026.
COMMUNITY
Castlegar Nordic Ski Club Letter of Support
Council approved providing a letter of support to accompany the Castlegar Nordic Ski Club’s Community Gaming Grant application. Funding would support maintenance of safe, public cross-country ski trails at the Paulson Cross-Country Recreation Site.
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