Residents can expect their new garbage carts and recycling bins to be delivered to their door next week. Representatives from Waste Management will also be delivering an information package explaining the new system and the rules for recycling. The first day for the new system will be April 4.
Council applying for grant to proceed with bike and pedestrian path
Council has decided to make an application to the Bike BC grant program for what they are calling the "Bridge to Bridge" pedestrian and cyclist lane. This is the next proposed connection in the city's pedestrian and cycling master plan. It will connect to the existing pathway just after if crosses the off-ramp bridge by the Chamber of Commerce and will descend on an angle across the highway slope and connect with the highway shoulder path near the base of the railroad bridge. From there, commuters would ride or walk on the existing highway shoulder to the Kinnaird Bridge. It is proposed that a railing would be installed to create a barrier between pedestrian and cyclists and the existing highways ditch. According to the accompanying documents, this connection would allow commuters from the Selkirk College and Ootischenia to safely connect to the existing pathway network.
If approved, the BC Bike grant will fund a maximum of 50 per cent of the estimated $150,000 cost of construction and work would start as early in 2016 as possible as the design is complete and tender ready. Formal approval from the Ministry of Transportation is also required.
Advertising purchased
Council decided to spend some of its advertising budget by purchasing a $1030 inside cover ad in the 2016 summer edition of Route 3 magazine to promote the Castlegar Millennium Ponds and by sponsoring an ad in the Kootenay Robusters 2017 calendar, at a cost of $250.
Grants given
A $125 grant was approved for the Castlegar and District Community Services youth art and talent show to assist with the costs associated with hosting the event to be held on June 19, 2016.
The Royal Canadian Legion Castlegar-Robson branch dart team received a $120 grant to assist with the costs associated with attending the 2016 provincial dart tournament in Comox, BC in April.
Council also approved a $1,000 grant to the Spring Fling Committee to assist with the costs of organizing and hosting the annual Spring Fling Festival in downtown Castlegar on April 30, 2016. "This event brings a lot of people into the downtown core," said Councilor Rye. "It is a very small committee that works very hard."