The following summary highlights several key items scheduled for discussion at the April 7 Regular Open Council meeting. It is intended as a brief overview of the agenda before the council.
Because The Golden Star goes to print prior to the Council meeting, we can only highlight the items we believe are relevant to our readers.
Residents interested in the full details, including staff reports and supporting documents, can review the complete agenda package on the Town of Golden’s website.
• ReDi Grant 2026 decisions finalized, see front page.
• Proposed DCC increases draw concern from development community
The Town of Golden’s proposed update to Development Cost Charges (DCCs) is drawing significant feedback from developers, as well as from the community at large, with many expressing concern about both the scale and structure of the increases.
DCCs are one-time charges applied at the building permit or subdivision stage to help fund infrastructure required for growth, including roads, water, sewer and parks. The Town is currently updating its bylaw for the first time since 2012 to reflect rising costs and new infrastructure demands tied to projected growth.
Under the proposed “Scenario 2 – Updated for Consultation,” DCC rates for a single detached home would increase from roughly $1,400 to approximately $34,800 per lot, reflecting the inclusion of broader infrastructure projects and updated cost estimates.
Developers support principle, question implementation
Feedback collected through consultation shows that many developers accept the underlying principle that “growth should pay for growth,” but raised concerns about how the new rates are being introduced.
A key issue is the magnitude and speed of the increase, with some stakeholders describing the proposed jump as too abrupt and potentially disruptive to projects already in planning.
Developers noted that sharp increases could affect project feasibility, particularly in a small market like Golden, where construction costs are already elevated. There is concern that higher upfront charges could delay or cancel projects, ultimately reducing both housing supply and future tax base growth.
Calls for phased approach and flexibility
One of the most consistent themes from the development community is a request for a phased implementation of DCC increases, potentially spread over 10 to 15 years, to allow the market to adjust gradually.
Developers also advocated for more flexible tools, including:
• Deferring payment timing, such as paying DCCs closer to occupancy rather than at the permit stage
• Introducing credits where developers construct infrastructure themselves
• Exploring exemptions or reduced rates for certain housing types, particularly purpose-built rental
These measures, they argue, could reduce upfront financial pressure while still contributing to long-term infrastructure funding.
Concerns around housing affordability
Another major theme is the potential impact on housing costs. Developers emphasized that DCCs are typically built into the final price of homes, meaning higher charges could translate directly into higher purchase prices or rents.
Several respondents pointed to compounding pressures, including interest rates, remote construction costs, and slower absorption in smaller communities, all of which already challenge project viability.
Push for more nuanced rate structure
Developers also called for a more tailored approach to how DCCs are structured, suggesting:
• Area-specific charges that reflect differing infrastructure costs across the community
• Density-based or per-square-metre pricing to better align with project type
• Adjustments to the Municipal Assist Factor, particularly for major sewer infrastructure that benefits the broader community
The goal, they say, is to better match costs with actual impacts while avoiding unintended consequences for smaller or more affordable housing types.
Balancing growth and infrastructure
Town staff note that the DCC update is intended to ensure that development-related infrastructure costs are shared fairly between new development and existing taxpayers, while also addressing long-term capacity needs in water and wastewater systems.
Council is now being asked to provide direction on which DCC scenario to pursue, taking into account both the technical analysis and stakeholder feedback.
• Election officials proposed for 2026 local vote
Golden council is being asked to formally appoint key officials to oversee the upcoming municipal election this fall.
A staff report recommends that Dawn Attorp be appointed as Chief Election Officer (CEO) for the 2026 general local election, with Alysha Saville and Carrie White serving as Deputy Chief Election Officers.
The election is scheduled for October 17, 2026, and under provincial legislation, local governments are required to appoint both a chief and deputy election officer to administer the process.
According to the report, the Chief Election Officer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the election, including administration, staffing, and compliance with the Local Government Act.
Contracted role to ease staff workload
Unlike past elections, where senior municipal staff filled the CEO role internally, the Town is proposing to bring in an external contractor this time.
Attorp brings prior experience managing municipal elections in Sicamous and Grand Forks, as well as a recent by-election in Tahsis.
Staff say the move reflects growing workload pressures within the Corporate Services department, particularly as the Town continues work on major initiatives such as the Official Community Plan and other council priorities.
Election budget already approved
The total budget for the 2026 election is set at $66,750, which includes up to $15,000 allocated for the contracted CEO role.
Funding has already been included in the Town’s draft financial plan and will cover all election-related costs, including advertising and staffing.
Council can either approve the appointments as recommended or choose alternative candidates.
With the election just over six months away, appointing experienced officials is a key early step in ensuring the process runs smoothly and meets legislative requirements.
• Pool boiler repairs recommended ahead of the summer season
Town council is being asked to approve repairs to the boilers that heat the Town’s outdoor swimming pool, ahead of the 2026 operating season.
A staff report recommends awarding a $29,028 contract to Kardash Plumbing and Heating Ltd. to complete the work.
The Town’s 25-metre outdoor pool, located on 9th Street South, relies on two propane boilers installed in 2009 to maintain water temperatures between 80 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, a 2025 inspection found both units in need of repair. One boiler has a cracked heat exchanger, while the other is showing internal corrosion.
The Town invited quotes from four service providers in March, but received just one submission, from Kardash Plumbing and Heating, at a cost of $29,027.64.
Staff say completing the repairs before the summer season is important to ensure reliable operation, noting that some replacement parts may be specialized and could take time to source.
Within budget
The project is already included in the Town’s draft 2026–2030 financial plan, with $35,000 budgeted for the work.
Upgrading internal components is also expected to restore boiler efficiency, potentially reducing propane use and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Council can approve the contract as presented, amend it, or direct staff to take a different approach.
With summer approaching, reliable pool operations depend on these repairs being completed on time. Delays could risk disruptions during peak use.
• Electrical upgrades at Public Works yard come in over budget
Golden council is being asked to increase the budget for electrical upgrades at the Public Works yard and award the construction contract for the work.
A staff report recommends adding $84,500 to the project, bringing the total budget to $205,500, and awarding a $158,000 contract to Golden Electrical Contracting Ltd.
The upgrades are needed to replace aging electrical infrastructure at the facility, much of which dates back to when the building was constructed in the mid-1970s.
According to the report, key components such as the main distribution panel and fuse panels have reached the end of their service life, with replacement parts increasingly difficult to obtain.
Lowest bid selected
Four bids were received through a public tender process, ranging from $158,000 to more than $325,000. Golden Electrical Contracting submitted the lowest bid.
The project includes replacing the main distribution panel, three fuse panels, and several electrical components, along with asbestos abatement and temporary power management during construction.
Work is expected to be substantially complete by October 31, 2026.
Budget increase reflects updated costs
The project was initially budgeted at $138,750, based on earlier estimates. Updated design work and market pricing have pushed costs higher, prompting the recommended increase.
Funding for both the original budget and the increase will come from the Town’s Buildings and Facilities Capital Reserve.
The upgrades are also expected to improve system reliability and allow for future integration of backup power, supporting both the Public Works yard and nearby infrastructure.
This is a behind-the-scenes project, but a critical one. Reliable electrical systems are essential for day-to-day operations at Public Works, especially as infrastructure continues to age.
• Committee proposed to guide the future of Golden’s aquatic facilities
Golden council is being asked to establish a select committee to help determine the future of aquatic services in the community.
A staff report recommends creating a Golden Municipal Aquatic Services Facility Options Study Select Committee to review and score proposals from consultants responding to a recent Request for Expression of Interest.
The move is part of a broader effort to explore options for upgrading the existing outdoor pool or potentially developing a new indoor and/or outdoor facility in partnership with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).
Shortlist narrowed to three proposals
The Town received 11 submissions earlier this year and has shortlisted three proponents for further evaluation.
The proposed committee would review those submissions, attend virtual presentations scheduled for mid-April, and provide a recommendation to council on which consultant should be awarded the contract.
Council is also being asked to appoint one member, along with an alternate, to sit on the committee.
Tight timeline for next steps
Presentations from shortlisted proponents are expected to take place on April 13 and 14, with a final recommendation anticipated at the April 21 council meeting.
The goal is to begin work quickly, allowing for site visits and early planning ahead of the summer pool season.
Study funded through regional grant
The $200,000 study is expected to be fully funded through the Economic Opportunity Fund, with no direct impact on municipal taxes.
The study will examine options ranging from upgrades to the current outdoor pool to the potential development of new facilities, with a focus on long-term sustainability, affordability, and community needs.
This is an early but important step in what could become one of the community’s largest recreation infrastructure decisions in years.
• Golden council sends letters on healthcare access, Pride Festival support
Golden council has approved two pieces of outgoing correspondence addressing healthcare access and community events.
In a letter to B.C.’s Minister of Health, Mayor Ron Oszust is urging the province to allow physiotherapists to order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs, within their scope of practice.
The letter argues that the change would reduce wait times, improve patient outcomes, and ease pressure on physicians by allowing patients with musculoskeletal issues to access care more quickly.
Council says similar models are already in place in other jurisdictions and align with broader healthcare goals around efficiency and team-based care.
Support for Golden Pride Festival
In a separate letter, council expressed support for the Golden Pride Society’s grant application to Heritage BC, highlighting the importance of the annual Pride Festival.
The Town also confirmed its support for hosting the 2026 event at Spirit Square and signalled interest in continuing the partnership in future years.
Council noted the festival contributes to community connection, inclusion, and the town’s cultural vibrancy.
These letters reflect both local advocacy on provincial healthcare issues and continued municipal support for community-driven events.
• Reserve transfers bylaw shows slight dip in Town savings
Golden council is being asked to approve its annual reserve transfers bylaw, outlining how funds were moved in and out of reserves during 2025.
A staff report recommends giving three readings to Bylaw No. 1508, which formalizes all reserve transactions completed between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
The bylaw is a standard annual requirement under the Community Charter, ensuring municipalities properly account for how reserve funds are used and allocated.
Reserves down slightly overall
The Town’s total reserves decreased by about $368,565 in 2025, ending the year at $11.42 million, down roughly 3.1 percent from the previous year.
During the year, the Town contributed approximately $2.37 million into reserves, earned $354,222 in interest, and spent $2.61 million on projects funded from those reserves.
Major spending areas
Most reserve spending went toward core infrastructure, including sewer (26 percent), water (24 percent), roads (18 percent), and projects funded through the Canadian Community Building Fund (11 per cent).
The detailed schedule, included in the report, also outlines funding for a wide range of capital and operational projects, from equipment purchases to facility upgrades and planning initiatives.
Council must approve the bylaw to ensure all reserve transfers comply with provincial legislation and align with the Town’s financial plan.
Reserve funds are the Town’s savings account. This bylaw shows where money is being set aside, and where it’s being spent to maintain infrastructure and services.
