Parcel tax exemption bylaw
Council passed three readings of a bylaw authorizing an exemption to the new parcel tax for parcels that are less than 25 feet. The reason for this exemption is that those parcels have too small a lot to be feasible for the construction of a residential building. This decision will affect 23 parcels, a majority of these parcels were subdivided under Plan 650 created in 1897.
Zoning amendment for SPCA facility
Council passed two readings of a zoning amendment to create a new rural zoning designation RR-28 (Rural Cultural B) to accommodate SPCA plans to construct a new community animal centre in Castlegar.
According to supporting documents: "The City of Castlegar and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are currently in the process of closing off a portion of ministry road right of way to accommodate the SPCA facility. The subject land (approx. 1 acres) is located beside the Kootenay Gallery and the Kinnaird Bridge on-ramp. The ministry has indicated that it will issue an encroachment permit to allow the SPCA to begin works on the proposed parcel prior to final registration and transfer of the lands."
Director of development services Phil Markin stated, "The Ministry of Transportation has been very supportive of this process."
The next step is for the amendment to go to the planning commission which will then be followed by a public hearing before the third reading of the zoning amendment and adoption can take place.
Once constructed the centre will become the primary companion animal rescue centre for the region. In addition to ensuring the continuation of existing programs currently offered by the facility in Trail, the new community animal centre will allow for expansion of services.
Curling Club Grant
Council granted $200 to two members of the Castlegar Curling Club Seniors Division to assist with travel costs to attend the national competition to be held in Brampton, Ontario in August.
Jim Swanson and Verna Chernoff represented the Castlegar Curling Club and Kootenay Zone at the BC Senior Games in Vancouver in 2015. Their team, which includes two members of the Fruitvale Curling Club won the gold medal and the opportunity to compete at the nationals.
Building permit values up
Year to date building permits are up from last year. The actual number of permits was 48, down by 2; but the dollar value of the permits was $1,387,849 up by $113,158.