Following is a selection of items from the Council agenda for the May 5th Regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. that we believe will be of readers’ interest.
Council will also be voting on the 2026 Five-Year Financial Plan, the 2026 Tax Rate and the updated Rec Fees.
• Town receives clean audit for 2025 financial statements
The Town of Golden has received a clean audit opinion for its 2025 financial statements, with no significant concerns raised by external auditors.
Accounting firm BDO Canada presented its annual audit findings to Mayor and Council, confirming that the Town’s financial statements are fairly presented in all material respects and meet Canadian public sector accounting standards.
No fraud, no major issues identified
Auditors reported no evidence of fraud and no significant deficiencies in internal controls.
As part of the audit process, BDO specifically reviewed key risk areas such as management oversight and revenue recognition. In both cases, auditors found no errors or irregularities.
Audit largely complete, within expected scope
The audit covered the year ending December 31, 2025, and was conducted under standard Canadian auditing guidelines. Work began in late March and wrapped up in early May.
BDO noted that the scope of the audit remained consistent with earlier planning and that the work is now substantially complete.
Materiality threshold set at $510,000
Auditors established a materiality threshold of $510,000, meaning any errors below that level would not be expected to influence financial decisions made by readers of the statements.
Minor adjustments noted, no major impact
Some minor accounting adjustments were identified during the audit process, but none were considered significant enough to affect the overall financial picture.
Looking ahead: changes coming to financial reporting
The presentation also flagged upcoming changes to public sector financial reporting standards, which take effect in 2026. These changes will alter how municipalities present financial information, including new reporting requirements and revised statements.
What it means for taxpayers
A clean audit is a good sign for taxpayers. It means the Town’s financial reporting is accurate, transparent, and being managed responsibly. It doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but it does mean there are no red flags that would undermine confidence in the numbers.
• Bus companies seek local support to maintain intercity service
Two intercity bus providers are asking the local business community to formally support the continuation of bus service through the region.
Ebus and Red Arrow have requested a letter of support affirming that their current service meets the transportation needs of the community. The request is part of their licensing requirements with the provincial Passenger Transportation Board.
Filling the gap after Greyhound
The companies note they have played a key role in maintaining intercity travel options in British Columbia since Greyhound Canada discontinued service, helping ensure smaller communities like Golden remain connected.
They say their routes provide reliable and affordable transportation, supporting both residents and visitors.
Support tied to licensing requirements
As part of their operating licences, Ebus and Red Arrow must demonstrate that they are meeting a public need. The requested letter would confirm that their services are adequate and highlight their contribution to the local economy and tourism sector.
Economic and community impact highlighted
In their request, the companies point to their role in connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and contributing to overall economic development.
They also expressed interest in continuing to work with communities to ensure service levels meet local needs going forward.
What it means for residents
Intercity bus service remains one of the few transportation options linking Golden to larger centres. Continued support could help ensure those connections remain in place, particularly for residents who rely on affordable travel options or do not have access to a vehicle.
• Farmers’ market coupon program funded for 2026
A popular program helping residents access fresh, local food will continue this year, with the province confirming $4.25 million in funding for the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program.
The funding, delivered through the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM), ensures the program will once again be available at participating markets across the province, including those in the region.
Helping stretch food budgets locally
The program provides coupons to lower-income families, seniors, and pregnant people, allowing them to purchase fresh produce, meat, and other local foods directly from farmers.
In communities like Golden, where grocery costs remain high, the program offers a practical way to stretch food budgets while supporting local vendors.
Delayed confirmation, but the program is moving ahead
The Ministry of Health noted that funding confirmation came after March 31 due to year-end budget timelines, but assured the program is moving forward for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The program continues to do double duty, helping residents access healthy food while keeping money circulating within the local agricultural economy.
• Town supports Purcell Mountain Orchestra anniversary gala. The Town of Golden will provide financial support for an upcoming milestone event celebrating a local arts organization.
Council has approved a $500 contribution through its Corporate Sponsorship Fund to support the Purcell Mountain Orchestra’s 20th Anniversary Gala.
Funding tied to community recognition
As part of the sponsorship, the Town has asked that its contribution be acknowledged publicly, including through social media, radio, or print coverage.
Event organizers are also required to submit a post-event report outlining attendance numbers, where visitors travelled from, and how the Town’s support was recognized.
Supporting local arts and events
The Corporate Sponsorship Fund is intended to support community initiatives while ensuring visibility for municipal contributions.
Mayor Ron Oszust extended best wishes to organizers for a successful event in correspondence confirming the funding.
What it means for residents
Small grants like this help support local cultural events, while also encouraging community participation and drawing visitors to Golden.
• Arena maintenance contract recommended for award
The Town of Golden is moving to secure ongoing maintenance for the arena’s refrigeration system, with staff recommending a new three-year contract.
A report to Council recommends awarding the contract to Yeti Refrigeration following a competitive tender process.
Required service under provincial regulations
The maintenance contract is required under provincial safety regulations, which mandate that refrigeration systems be serviced by licensed contractors. The Town is responsible for arranging the service as part of its agreement to operate the facility on behalf of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).
Three bids received
The Town received three proposals through a public tender, with submissions from Frozen Refrigeration, Startec Refrigeration Services Ltd., and Yeti Refrigeration.
After evaluation, Yeti ranked highest overall, followed by Startec and Frozen.
Cost estimated at $100,000 over three years
Based on recent years, the contract is expected to cost about $32,500 annually, or roughly $100,000 over the three-year term.
A familiar contractor also considered
Staff noted that Startec, the current contractor, has long-standing experience with the arena and local staff, and may offer slightly faster emergency response times.
However, Yeti’s proposal scored higher overall and is recommended for the award.
… Continued on page 6
What it means for residents
While largely behind-the-scenes, this contract keeps the arena running safely and reliably. Without it, the facility wouldn’t meet provincial operating requirements.
• RDEK backs off plan for permanent time change
A proposed shift to year-round Mountain Standard Time in the East Kootenay has been put on hold following public pushback.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has rescinded its earlier decision to implement the change starting November 2026, meaning current time observance will remain in place for now.
Decision reversed after feedback
The move comes after the RDEK received significant correspondence from residents and stakeholders raising concerns about the lack of broader public consultation.
In response, the Board voted on April 10 to withdraw its previous resolution supporting a permanent time shift.
Regional survey planned
Rather than proceeding immediately, the RDEK will now coordinate a regional survey to gather input on time zone preferences across East Kootenay.
The results are expected to help guide future decisions by local governments, including whether to revisit the idea of a permanent time change.
Golden was invited to participate
The Town of Golden has been invited to take part in the process, with further discussions expected between municipal and regional staff as the survey is developed.
What it means for residents
For now, nothing changes. Golden and surrounding communities will continue switching clocks twice a year, while the broader conversation about permanent time observance is pushed down the road.
• Town looks to formalize emergency support role with insurance coverage
The Town of Golden is moving to strengthen its emergency response capacity by formalizing and ensuring a key coordination role.
Council is being asked to approve extending municipal liability insurance coverage to the Emergency Support Services Director (ESSD) through the Municipal Insurance Association of BC (MIABC).
Shift from volunteer to paid role
The ESSD position, currently held by Leanne Simonson, has historically been a volunteer role. Staff say that the approach is no longer in line with comparable programs, where the position is typically paid due to its responsibilities and risk level.
The role involves coordinating emergency support such as lodging, food, clothing, and emotional assistance for evacuees during disasters.
Insurance needed for contractor role
As the position transitions to a contracted role, insurance coverage is required. Rather than expecting the contractor to obtain their own policy, the Town is proposing to extend its existing coverage through MIABC’s Associate Member Program.
The program allows municipalities to ensure individuals providing services on their behalf.
Low risk, but potential costs
Staff note the risk level is considered low, with no immediate cost to the Town. However, future insurance premiums could increase, and the Town would be responsible for a $5,000 deductible in the event of a claim.
Part of broader emergency preparedness
The move is described as a proactive step to ensure stable and professional delivery of emergency support services, particularly as demands on local emergency planning continue to grow.
What it means for residents
This is largely behind the scenes, but it’s about making sure the right people are in place, properly supported, when emergencies happen. In short, a more reliable system when it matters most.
