Community Plan 2033
The City of Castlegar is updating its Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and Downtown Design Guidelines. These documents will guide how Castlegar will grow into the future. Your feedback is important in shaping these plans and we want to hear from you to make sure that we understand the type of community you want to live in. This is an opportunity to establish a strong vision and goals for a bright future!
START THE CONVERSATION BY RESPONDING TO OUR SURVEY
Thank you to all of those who participating in the many events held during Community Planning Week. The City asks that residents submit their Community Workbooks by May 31 to enable inclusion in the City's What We Heard Report. Completed Workbooks can be submitted at City Hall or at the Castlegar Craft and Farmer's Market throughout May. Workbooks submitted after this date will still be accepted but will not be included in summary reports.
Why is community planning important?
Because it helps the City plan for the future!
A Community Plan looks at what kind of community you want to live in, and the ways we can get there. Looking forward 10 or 20 years, what do you envision for your community? We want you to engage in the vision for your future here – the City’s future!
How does a Community Plan affect me?
A Community Plan shapes the way we live, work, move, and play within the City of Castlegar. It includes policy direction on what is important to you: climate action, housing choice, economic resilience, places to connect, and green space. It helps ensure that there is space and a place for everyone in our community.
The City's current Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw can be found here.
How did the current OCP (2011) shape Castlegar?
The City of Castlegar's current Community Plan was completed in 2011 and set several objectives or BIG IDEAS (OCP, 2011) that have shaped what Castlegar is today.
See Castlegar Today to learn more.
How can I get involved?
If you would like project updates and info about upcoming events, like the City’s Facebook page or sign up to receive community plan project information via email.
Project updates and upcoming events will also be shared in:
- Castlegar News & Castlegar Source
- The City’s Quarterly Newsletter; and
- Posters and pop-ups at local gathering places
You can also email us at communityplan@castlegar.ca, or give us a call at 250.365.7227.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the City doing this project?
The community has changed significantly, and faces new challenges, since the city’s major planning documents were last updated. To guide the future of Castlegar, these documents require updating. The Official Community Plan was created in 2011 with minimal updates since then. The Zoning Bylaw was originally created in 1999 with numerous amendments, but no major review since it was created.
How will citizens be engaged during the project?
Public engagement is a key component in creating a successful Community Plan which reflects the diverse needs of a community. To reach as many different community members as possible, the project team will use a variety of online and in-person engagement activities, with an emphasis on reaching people in ways that (and in places where) they are already engaging. This could be quick online engagement tools, interactive booths at a community event, or a luncheon with an active community group. We want to learn more about the challenges and opportunities that the citizens of Castlegar see for their community so that what we hear from citizens forms the foundation for the Community Plan.
How will my feedback be used during the project?
We will share regular What We Heard Reports to summarize information gathered during engagement activities and how it has been reflected in the planning documents. This is an opportunity for citizens to express whether the project team heard the community correctly and directly relate their feedback to the policy created or other key planning areas. These reports will be available on the City’s website and shared in project updates.
What is a Community Plan?
A Community Plan (OCP or ‘Official Community Plan’) is a policy tool to guide land use and community planning. A Community Plan provides certainty to residents and landowners regarding the location and nature of future growth and redevelopment. It guides municipal councils in decisions about land use bylaws, servicing, and capital expenditures to accommodate change. Community desires are expressed in the Plan by means of broad objectives and policy statements.
To learn more about Community Plans in BC click here.
What is a Zoning Bylaw?
A Zoning Bylaw is a set of rules that regulates building, development, and land use within the city. The Zoning Bylaw divides the city into zones. Each zone allows different types of developments and land uses.
To learn more about Zoning Bylaws in BC click here.
What are Design Guidelines?
Downtown revitalization is a priority in Castlegar. In the early 1990s, a significant revitalization project was undertaken that focused on infrastructure, including the redesign of streets, installation of underground wiring, new sidewalks, street furniture, unique lamp standards, landscaping, and street trees. In 2021, a Downtown Area Plan was developed to guide future development which identified several unique areas and objectives for each area. As a complement to this plan, new Design Guidelines are needed to guide development and will be incorporated into the concurrently developed Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw where applicable.
General Inquiries
City Contact
Meeri Durand
Manager of Planning, Development & Sustainability
mdurand@castlegar.ca
Consultant Contact
Amy Clarke, Communications Lead
MVH Urban Planning & Design Inc.
amy@selkirkplanning.ca