The City of Castlegar has begun its 2025 budget process to allocate funds for essential services, infrastructure, and community programs.
The budget is developed over several months and includes opportunities for public input.
Community group presentations
Last week, community groups that contribute to the delivery of city council's strategic priorities by supporting arts, culture, and heritage presented their annual updates on service delivery and shared their proposals for the upcoming year.
Public input
The city says public input is key to ensuring the budget reflects the needs and values of Castlegar residents.
Residents are encouraged to share their ideas by emailing budget@castlegar.ca by 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Council will review this input at their Dec. 16 meeting.
Draft financial plan development
Following the community group presentations and public input, the city’s finance team will prepare a draft financial plan and present it to council for consideration.
The budget will be deliberated during two special council meetings on Jan. 20 and Jan. 23. At these meetings, council will refine priorities and finalize the plan.
The public is encouraged to attend these meetings in person or online via Zoom.
Open house
As part of the development step, the city will host an open house to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the proposed budget, and share feedback. A date has not been set, but it will take place in early 2025.
Financial plan bylaw adoption
Once council has completed deliberations, the draft 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw will be presented as the final step in formalizing the 2025 budget.
In a budget communication, the city said it is committed to an "inclusive and transparent budget process."
"By attending meetings in person or online and sharing feedback, residents can help shape the city’s financial decisions that impact the community," says the statement.
For more information on the 2025 budget process visit castlegar.ca/budget.