Quarterly Newsletter – October 2026
Four times a year the City of Castlegar publishes a newsletter that is distributed to all homes with our quarterly utility bills. Here’s what to know in Castlegar this quarter.
Province of BC Making Changes to Home Owner Grant in 2027
Province of BC Making Changes to Home Owner Grant in 2027 Beginning with the 2027 tax year, the Province of BC will no longer provide the additional $200 Northern and Rural Home Owner Benefit as part of the Home Owner Grant program. The benefit was introduced to address concerns that the consumer carbon tax could disproportionately impact northern and rural communities. As the consumer carbon tax is no longer in place, the Province has ended the additional benefit. The Province advises that 92% of homeowners will remain eligible for the regular Home Owner Grant, with an additional grant remaining available for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Residents with questions about the Home Owner Grant, including eligibility and grant amounts, should contact the Province directly:
Home Owner Grant Administration Toll-free: 1-888-355-2700
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 5
Join us for Winter Wonderland at Spirit Square at City Hall. Details to come at castlegar.ca/events
Winter Ready
Our team manages over 90 km of road and 23 km of sidewalk. During snow events, crews focus on keeping the transportation network safe and accessible while responding to changing weather.
Remove obstacles
- Please park vehicles off City streets whenever possible
- Vehicles, boats, trailers, basketball nets, etc. must be removed from streets.
- Keep fire hydrants and catch basins on your property clear of snow, to make them accessible during emergencies.
- Remove waste bins/carts from street after collection
Know your responsibilities
- Clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours.
- DO NOT shovel, plow or blow snow onto City streets. Violations are subject to bylaw enforcement.
- Maintain access to your driveway. The City will not clear private driveways. Place snow on the right side of your driveway (facing the street) to minimize snow being pushed back into the driveway
Help crews work safely
- Slow down and follow snow plow and removal equipment at a safe distance until there is a safe, legal opportunity to pass.
- Stay back. Equipment may slow down, turn and back up frequently.
- Children should not play on snowbanks and should always remain away from snow plowing and removal equipment.
- Do not approach operators. Contact Civic Works at 250-365-5979 with any concerns.
Contractors and Businesses
Snow storage
Commercial snow removal contractors must store snow on-site or transport it to approved locations. Snow deposited on City streets or other City property may be removed at the owner’s expense.
Snow Dump permits
A Snow Dump Permit is required to dump snow at the City Complex Snow Dump Facility. A map of your designated snow dump area and gate code to the facility’s padlock will be issued after a submitted application is approved and the $750 fee is paid.
Questions?
Visit castlegar.ca/snow for the latest information on snow route information, winter maintenance updates, Snow Dump Permits, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Corporate Services