Council Highlights – August 10, 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
Active Transportation Plan and E-Scooter Pilot Program
Council received a presentation from resident Marilyn Johnstone regarding active transportation in Castlegar, including cycling safety along Columbia Avenue, road user education, and electric kick scooter regulations. Council discussed opportunities to improve cycling safety and increase education for all road users, including the potential creation of an active transportation committee. Staff noted that active transportation will be a key component of the City’s upcoming Transportation Master Plan. Council also directed staff to prepare a report exploring the option of joining the Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:00:42 mark
DISCUSSION & DECISIONS
West Kootenay Regional Airport Operations and Maintenance Services Contract Extension (Report No. 26-63)
Council approved an 18-month extension of the West Kootenay Regional Airport operations and maintenance contract with Dexterra Integrated Facilities Management. The extension will ensure continuity of airport operations and maintenance services while allowing staff time to undertake a future procurement process that aligns with the Airport’s operational requirements. The contract extension runs from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 00:49:31 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
2026 Council Strategic Plan Implementation Report – Quarter 2 Update (Report No. 26-62)
Council received the 2026 Council Strategic Plan Implementation Report for the second quarter. The report provides an update on work undertaken between April and June 2026 to advance Council’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, including initiatives related to governance, housing, quality of life, airport excellence, healthcare, and economic development.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:25:35 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Columbia River Basin Public Art Program Grant Application (Report No. 26-66)
Council approved applying to the Columbia River Basin Public Art Program for up to $75,000 to support the creation of a permanent public sculpture celebrating Castlegar’s location at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia rivers. If successful, the City will work with Castlegar Sculpturewalk to develop a call to artists and oversee the artist selection process.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:30:45 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Procurement Policy 3-1 Update (Report No. 26-58)
Council approved a new Procurement Policy to modernize the City’s purchasing practices and align them with current municipal standards and trade agreement requirements. The updated Policy provides clearer purchasing authorities, revised procurement thresholds, improved oversight and reporting requirements, and greater flexibility for budgeted purchases while maintaining strong accountability and transparency measures. Council also directed staff to provide quarterly information reports summarizing procurement awards between $75,000 and $250,000. The recommendation will come forward for Council consideration at the September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 01:42:29 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
SCADA Instrumentation & Control Services Standing Offer Agreement (Report No. 26-64)
Council authorized staff to enter into a Standing Offer Agreement with Centrix Control Solutions Inc. for SCADA instrumentation and control services. SCADA systems are critical to monitoring and operating the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The agreement will provide specialized technical support, system integration services, and expertise to help ensure reliable utility operations.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 02:22:22 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
Plow Truck Purchase – Recommendation for Award (Report No. 26-65)
Council approved the purchase of a new plow truck from New West Truck Centres (BC) Inc. as part of the City’s fleet replacement program. The truck will replace a 19-year-old vehicle that has exceeded its useful service life and will support winter road maintenance and year-round Civic Works operations.
📺 Watch the presentation at the 02:25:13 mark 📄 Read the Staff Report
BYLAWS
Advisory Planning Commission Repeal Bylaw No. 1463
Council adopted Advisory Planning Commission Repeal Bylaw No. 1463. The Bylaw repeals the City’s Advisory Planning Commission following changes to provincial legislation, updates to City bylaws, and the expansion of staff-delegated development approval processes.
Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1464
Council adopted Board of Variance Bylaw No. 1464. The new bylaw modernizes the process for property owners seeking relief from certain land-use regulations when compliance would create undue hardship. Updates include revised application requirements, updated notification procedures, clearer decision-making criteria, and improved public accessibility and transparency.
COMMUNITY
Medical Radiation Technologist Week Overpass Illumination Request
Council approved a request to illuminate the Kinnaird interchange overpass in blue and orange from November 8 to 14, 2026, in recognition of Medical Radiation Technologist Week.
Commemorative Veteran’s Crosswalk Proposal
Council discussed a proposal from the Royal Canadian Legion Castlegar/Robson Branch 170 for a commemorative veteran’s crosswalk and referred the request to 2027 budget discussions for consideration.
Letter of Endorsement for Miss Castlegar Princess Taliya Lundquist – West Kelowna Pageant
Council approved providing a letter of endorsement to support Miss Castlegar Princess Taliya Lundquist’s participation in the West Kelowna Pageant.
Letter of Endorsement for Miss Castlegar Young Kim and Miss Castlegar Princess Taliya Lundquist – Oliver Pageant
Council approved providing a letter of endorsement to support Miss Castlegar Young Kim and Miss Castlegar Princess Taliya Lundquist’s participation in the Oliver Pageant.
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
Corporate Services