Plans for the by-election needed to fill the empty council chair left after the sudden passing of councillor Kevin Chernoff were discussed at Monday's city council meeting. The elections act requires that a date for the election must be set on a Saturday no later than 80 days after the date that a chief election officer is appointed. Due to the fact that a large number of residents are on vacation during the summer, the proposed timeline is for a chief election officer to be appointed sometime in August and the election to be held in the fall. City staff is currently working out details, including the location for voting.
Advertising purchase
Council voted to spend $3,350 from the economic development line item budget for the purpose of promoting Castlegar in a half-page ad within the Invest in BC magazine. The purchase will also include a free half-page editorial. The ad will run in 2017. The purpose of the ad is to promote Castlegar as an area in which to establish a business and presence. The city has identified the airport lands as a specific investment opportunity.
Embetsu grant
A $1,200 grant was awarded to the Castlegar Arts Council for the Castlegar Embetsu Educational Exchange Committee, to assist with the costs for eight Castlegar students and two chaperones to travel to Embetsu, Japan to participate in the 2016 exchange program. The program has existed since 1997. Primary funding comes for the students' families and the interest generated by the funds deposited from Mr. Shikano and the Town of Embetsu. Additional funding is raised through charitable donations and fundraising activities.