Council has begun the process of developing a Columbia Riverfront Trails Master Plan.
Lanarc Consultants has been hired to work with city staff to develop the plan and to provide public consultation services. The master plan in intended to act as a “guide and overall vision for the future development of recreational amenities along the Columbia River waterfront.” The contract is valued at $29,900 and is allocated in the 2017 budget.
Council package documents acknowledge that planning for use of the waterfront will require extensive public consultation.
Castlegar’s Official Community Plan (OCP) already contains the directive to “develop a plan to protect, enhance and promote the Columbia riverfront.” The consultation phase of developing the OCP revealed that improving public access and accessibility to the Columbia River was a priority with many residents.
The city’s intent is to “develop a recreational and nature trail along approximately 12 kilometres of waterfront, stretching from Castlegar’s north end south to the Blueberry neighbourhood.”
The trail will provide links to residential, commercial and educational land uses, as well as to existing parks and trails. Trail features may include “a variety of amenities, including rest areas, information signs, shelters, etc.”
“I think this is a good start. It is going to take some time, obviously, but I think it is something people are looking for,” said Coun. Dan Rye.
Fire Truck donation
Council gave approval to donate the 30-year-old 1987 Ford/Anderson fire engine that was recently retired due to Canadian regulations to Firefighters Without Borders Canada (FWBC).
FWBC will repurpose the truck for use in a developing nation. In 2014, the Castlegar Fire Department donated outdated firefighter bunker gear to FWBC. In 2003, CFO Engine 1 was donated and ended up in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Castlegar’s new fire chief Sam Lattanzio explained that FWBC will make all of the arrangements to pick up the engine. There will be no costs to the city.
Pump house generator
Council has authorized the purchase of a new 500 kW generator with transfer switch for the Meadowlark Pump House.
Included in the 2017 budget is $225,000 for the project. The generator will cost $120,315 plus PST/GST. The remaining funds will cover the engineering and installation of the equipment. The generator includes a sound-absorbing enclosure.
The city engaged an electrical engineering firm to review the Meadowlark pump house pumping capacities and power requirements, the results were a recommendation for a 500 kW unit in order to meet peak hour demands for the water system which includes domestic water use and fire flow needs in times of extended power outages.
Beehive pilot project
Council has approved two residences to participate in the urban beekeeping pilot project. Both locations are in downtown Castlegar. The city initially received interest from five residents, but only two have decided to go forward with the 18-month project.