Council Agenda Highlights, Golden, BC: The following is a summary based on the Agenda and minutes that will be presented to Council on September 16, 2025.
The first delegation will be by Sinova Global, whose presentation outlines their high-purity silica quartz quarry operations near Nicholson (Horse Creek), highlighting its role in clean energy and its economic benefits to Golden.
Another item for discussion is the zoning amendment proposal for the Horsfall development, where several letters address concerns about the development’s height and potential for short-term rentals, the increased traffic on 9th Street S. and so on.
Sinova Global shares plans for world-class quartz operation near Golden
Golden council got an in-depth look this week at a project that could put the community on the map for clean-energy materials.
On Sept. 16, representatives from Sinova Global, a private company headquartered in Edmonton, presented their vision for developing one of the world’s few high-purity quartz deposits, located just southeast of Golden. Vice President of Resource Operations Chad Slee and Chief Technology Officer Craig Johnson told council the Horse Creek site, now called Sinova Quartz, is being positioned as British Columbia’s first carbon-neutral, fully electrified hard-rock quarry.
Founded in 2012, Sinova Global aims to become North America’s leading supplier of high-purity silicon metal, a material with no chemical substitute that plays a crucial role in both traditional manufacturing and the growing clean-energy economy. While silicon has long been used in products like sealants, rubber, and aluminum alloys, demand is surging for its use in solar panels, semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles.
The Horse Creek deposit contains quartz with purity levels above 99.6 per cent, suitable for producing silicon metal without the intensive processing required elsewhere. Company officials highlighted more than 60 years of proven reserves and up to 90 years of probable reserves, with additional lands under claim for exploration. Sinova secured a mineral lease in 2021 and has permits to extract up to 1.4 million tonnes annually.
For Golden, the company says the benefits will be significant. Road upgrades have already been made to support safe haul routes, contractors are being sourced locally, and Sinova has pledged to maintain close relationships with stakeholders and residents. Environmental management plans addressing air and water quality, noise, and reclamation are in place, and residents living near blasting activity receive 48-hour advance notice.
After more than a decade of permitting and development, Sinova has now begun limited operations and launched a quality-assurance program. The next major milestone will be completing financing for a downstream processing plant in Tennessee, which would allow the company to scale production.
Officials described the Horse Creek project as a “world-class opportunity” combining a unique deposit with sustainable practices, best-in-class environmental standards, and the chance to showcase Canadian innovation in the Rockies.
Proposed development at 837 Park Drive (the previous courthouse location)
The proposed Horsfall development, located at 837 Park Drive in Golden, British Columbia, has drawn a number of objections from residents and local organisations. This development involves a rezoning application and a development variance permit for a mixed-use commercial and residential project, comprising 1,022 m² of commercial space on the ground floor and 24 dwelling units above, along with underground and surface parking facilities. Key variances sought include an increase in maximum building height and a reduction in landscaping requirements.
• Traffic Congestion and Parking – Several residents expressed concern about the increased traffic burden that 24 additional dwellings would place on already busy roads, particularly 9th Street and Park Drive. Turning left onto 10th Avenue South (Highway 95) from 9th Street is already difficult, leading to “near misses” and “road rage,” especially during school bus times. The added development would make it “extremely challenging” for residents to access proposed underground parking.
– The Golden Medical Clinic and hospital area on 9th Street and Park Drive is noted for its existing high traffic, particularly with two schools, a medical clinic, hospital, and ambulance station nearby. The Golden Medical Clinic specifically raised concerns that existing hospital parking already overflows into surrounding grassed areas, and the proposed 11 parking spots for the development are inadequate, potentially impeding patient access to medical facilities.
– Trinity Lutheran Church (next door to the potential development) highlighted that 9th Street is very busy, especially during school hours, and increased usage due to altered access to/from Highway 95. They also voiced concerns about the adequacy of parking, anticipating condo purchasers and visitors bringing more than one vehicle, increasing street parking pressure, particularly with commercial operations.
• Building Height and Aesthetic Impact – Numerous residents opposed the proposed amendment to increase the permitted building height to 14.9m from the current 12.0m, arguing it would be “out of place” in an area predominantly surrounded by one- and two-story buildings and community infrastructure.
– Concerns were raised that a taller building would disrupt the visual harmony and skyline of the community, increase shadowing, reduce privacy for neighbouring properties, and block views.
– The Golden Medical Clinic specifically worried that a four-story building, taller than anything else in the area, could impact sight lines for helicopters landing at the hospital helipad, potentially leading to its loss of use due to Transport Canada requirements.
– Opponents also argued that granting a height exemption sets a “dangerous precedent,” eroding public trust and undermining consistent, community-focused planning.
• Short-Term Rentals and Affordable Housing – A significant concern revolved around the potential for the 24 dwelling units to be used for short-term rentals (STRs), which many believe would exacerbate Golden’s existing affordable housing crisis.
– Residents expressed fears that a “predominance of neighbouring short-term rentals” would negatively affect their privacy and property values, and would not attract individuals or families seeking long-term homes.
– The Trinity Lutheran Church, which serves low-income residents, explicitly stated that they do not support the project “as is” because condos used as STRs do not meet the need for affordable housing, particularly for service workers who rely on housing close to their workplaces due to a lack of public transport.
– Opponents argued that unregulated STRs lead to increased noise, disruption, higher turnover, reduced community cohesion and safety, and inflation of housing costs.
– However, the project manager for the developer, David Halliday, confirmed verbally at a council meeting and in writing that the 24 apartments are intended for sale to individuals or investors for their own occupation or for long-term letting, and “No short-term lettings will be available within the development”. This commitment was acknowledged by Town staff.
• Infrastructure Capacity and Costs – Concerns were raised about the limited capacity of the town’s aging infrastructure to service the additional commercial units and 24 dwellings.
– Glenogle Management questioned whether these costs would be borne by Golden taxpayers, while “out of town developer profits”.
– Trinity Lutheran Church queried the feasibility of underground parking given “issues of possible high water” in the area.
• Zoning and Planning Principles – Objectors noted that re-zoning the land from “Community Care and Resource – I3” to “Mixed Use Commercial – C2” and allowing a fourth storey goes against maintaining the area’s existing character. Trinity Lutheran Church suggested the land should be rezoned to residential instead, arguing that sufficient commercial spaces are available elsewhere in town.
– Allowing variances was seen as setting a “dangerous precedent” that benefits private interests over the broader community and erodes public trust in zoning regulations.
The Town of Golden Council received external correspondence outlining these objections for consideration. Staff, however, recommended giving first reading to the rezoning bylaw, stating the proposal aligns with the Official Community Plan and Affordable Housing Strategy, and that new provincial legislation prohibits public hearings for such bylaws if they are consistent with the OCP and primarily residential.
See other Council Highlights here:
