A summary of the Council Agenda package for the Nov. 4th, 2025 meeting: (Please keep in mind that this is only a summary of the highlights; the full package can be downloaded from Golden.ca.)
Golden Moves to Continue FireSmart Program with $400,000 Funding Request
At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Town of Golden reviewed a recommendation from Acting Fire Chief Jordan Wilkie to continue the community’s FireSmart program through a new round of provincial funding.
Council is being asked to approve an application to the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Resiliency Investment Program, seeking up to $400,000 in allocation-based funding over two years to sustain and expand local FireSmart initiatives. If successful, the Town would manage the grant without requiring municipal tax dollars, as the program is fully externally funded.
The proposal builds on significant progress made in 2024 and 2025, including completion of Golden’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, over 30 home assessments, several public outreach events, school programs, and active guidance from the local FireSmart Committee.
For 2026–27, the next phase of the program would expand wildfire preparedness through public education campaigns, local training with BC Wildfire Service, and development of a Structure Protection Unit trailer to strengthen response capacity.
CAO Jeremy Denegar noted that the initiative continues to align with Council’s priorities for climate adaptation, wildfire risk reduction, and public safety. The staff report also highlights future opportunities for collaboration with local Indigenous communities on cultural fire education and prescribed burn training.
If approved, the Town of Golden’s FireSmart Program will remain a cornerstone of the community’s wildfire resilience strategy, ensuring continued eligibility for provincial support and sustained engagement with residents.
Town Awards OCP and Zoning Bylaw Update to EcoPlan International
The Town of Golden has selected EcoPlan International to lead the long-awaited update of its Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw (ZBL), following a competitive process that drew twelve proposals from planning firms across the province.
The current OCP, adopted in 2008, and the Zoning Bylaw, adopted in 2012, are both due for renewal to reflect new planning legislation and updated housing data. The new OCP will integrate findings from Golden’s recent Housing Needs Report, while also setting the foundation for future updates required under the Local Government Act by 2030.
EcoPlan International’s proposal stood out for its ambitious timeline, strong community engagement plan, and value-added expertise. The project will include online engagement tools such as Qualtrics and Mentimeter, downtown visioning work by Matthew Thomson Design, and floodplain management support from Ebbwater Consulting.
The evaluation committee—made up of Town staff from Planning, Corporate Services, and Building—unanimously recommended EcoPlan, citing their comprehensive approach and clear value for the community.
The update will feature broad public consultation, early engagement with Indigenous Nations, and new development permit guidelines addressing wildfire and climate resilience.
Funding for the project will come from the Provincial Local Government Housing Initiative Capacity Reserve Fund and the Town’s Financial Stabilization Reserve, with no additional tax burden expected.
WildSafeBC Golden Wraps Up Another Busy Season
WildSafeBC Golden has released its 2025 year-end report, highlighting another strong season of community education and wildlife awareness across Golden and Electoral Area A.
Community Coordinator Jenni Barrera shared that the program reached more than 1,200 residents through 12 public display booths, along with school presentations, bear spray demonstrations, and outreach events. The WildSafe Ranger Program expanded to seven classroom sessions throughout the year, teaching local students about living responsibly in bear country.
Garbage bin tagging continued to play a major role in reducing attractants, with 112 bins tagged during 12 outings and repeat offenders receiving follow-up visits. WildSafeBC Golden’s Facebook page grew to 690 followers, sharing seasonal tips on wildlife safety, fruit gleaning, and collision prevention.
Looking ahead, the 2026 program will focus on continued bin tagging during peak wildlife conflict seasons, more education on attractants such as fruit trees, and support for Golden’s ongoing efforts to become a Bear Smart Community.
Garbage and unsecured fruit trees remain the community’s top wildlife attractants, but Barrera emphasized that local cooperation and awareness are making a measurable difference.
Canyon to Confluence Initiative Builds Momentum for Riverfront Vision
Golden’s Canyon to Confluence Initiative (C2Ci) continues to gain momentum, presenting a long-term integrated planning strategy for the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers through the heart of town.
Presented to Council this month by Brace Lee and Larry Sparks, the initiative envisions “a community connected to its rivers” — restoring natural shorelines, improving flood resilience, and creating accessible recreation and gathering spaces along the river corridor.
The five-phase plan includes restoring riparian habitat, expanding public river access, realigning the dike to bring Centennial Park directly to the riverfront, and exploring the potential for a downtown whitewater surf wave that could position Golden as a world-class paddling destination.
Since launching in 2024, C2Ci has held multiple community engagement events and reached more than 500 residents in person and 6,900 through online media, with accessibility, recreation, and ecology emerging as top priorities.
Funding so far includes $25,000 from the Town of Golden and CSRD Economic Opportunity Funds, and $630,000 in Resort Municipality Initiative funding for the Centennial Park upgrade, with additional grant applications planned through Columbia Basin Trust and the provincial Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The group is now seeking Town approval to move forward on redesigning Centennial Park with the Rotary Club of Golden, improving dike accessibility, and developing a River Corridor Master Plan to guide the next stages of restoration and recreation planning.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Bear’s Paw Phase 6 and “The Sevens” Proposal
Golden residents Dave and Inge Clapperton have written to the Town Council expressing concern about the next phase of development in the Bear’s Paw subdivision and the proposed project known as “The Sevens.”
Their letter, submitted ahead of Council’s November 4 meeting, follows a presentation earlier in October where the developers proposed building short-term rental units at The Sevens in exchange for funding a new water pumping station. The station is reportedly needed because the current system has reached capacity.
The Clappertons urged Council to reject the short-term rental proposal, citing the findings of the recently adopted 2025 Housing Needs Report, which indicates Golden requires more affordable and long-term housing options — not additional short-term rentals. They also noted that a previous developer’s request for short-term rentals on the same site had been turned down.
Their letter raised several additional points, including concerns about infrastructure strain on Selkirk Hill, the need for developers to fully fund required infrastructure rather than use it as a negotiation tool, and the importance of allowing public input before any final decision is made.
The couple emphasized that tax revenue from existing Bear’s Paw homes already contributes to infrastructure improvements, and that the Town should retain control over construction standards for the proposed pumping station to ensure it meets community needs.
Interior Health Commits to Follow-Up on Golden Health Service Priorities
Interior Health has reaffirmed its commitment to improving health services in Golden following discussions at the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention.
In a letter to Mayor Ron Oszust, Diane Shendruk, Vice President of Clinical Operations for Interior Health, thanked the Town for its engagement and outlined several key areas of follow-up, including:
• Emergency department wait times in Golden and Invermere;
• Macular degeneration services for eye health;
• Transportation needs for patients; and
• Expansion plans for CT and MRI services across the Interior.
Shendruk emphasized that the insights shared by local officials during the UBCM meeting were “invaluable” and said Interior Health is committed to ongoing collaboration to strengthen local healthcare delivery and promote the advantages of living and working in the Golden area.
Mayor Oszust and Town staff regularly use the UBCM convention to raise regional health care issues and advocate for improved medical access in small and rural communities.
Town Seeks $200,000 for Next Steps in Swimming Pool Project
The Town of Golden is moving forward with plans to evaluate the future of its aging municipal swimming pool, requesting $200,000 in funding from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF).
The funding would allow the Town to hire consultants to explore three options:
1. Upgrading the existing 1978 outdoor pool,
2. Building a new outdoor facility, or
3. Constructing a basic new indoor pool.
According to Director of Recreation Services Jordan Petrovics, the proposed study will provide a detailed comparison of costs, design concepts, and long-term service options for the community. The Town hopes to fully fund the study through EOF, avoiding any direct impact on municipal budgets.
The $150,000 consultant-based study would include architectural and engineering assessments, with an additional $50,000 allocated for staff support, coordination, and community engagement. The project also commits to incorporating green technologies where feasible and includes consultation with local Indigenous communities as part of the planning process.
This proposal follows earlier Council discussions in June and October about next steps for Golden’s aquatic facilities. CSRD staff have indicated support for the Town leading the project and using EOF funds, which are intended for initiatives that support long-term community services and economic sustainability.
If approved, the study will include at least one public engagement event and a presentation to Council, with results expected to guide future decisions on whether Golden invests in an upgraded outdoor pool or a new indoor aquatic centre.
Council to Review Future Management of the Golden Civic Centre
Town Council is considering the next steps for managing the Golden Civic Centre, as the current five-year property management agreement with Kicking Horse Culture (KHC) is set to expire at the end of 2025.
Since 2007, KHC has operated the Civic Centre under contract with the Town, overseeing bookings, maintenance, and rentals. The arrangement has helped position the Civic Centre as Golden’s key arts and community venue.
In a report to Council, Director of Recreation Services Jordan Petrovics presented three options for future operations:
1. Renew the existing agreement with Kicking Horse Culture;
2. Shift to a fee-for-service model with bookings handled through the Town’s Amilia recreation software system; or
3. Transfer management in-house to the Town’s Recreation Services Department, which would require additional staffing and restructuring.
Kicking Horse Culture has expressed interest in continuing to manage the facility, with its board unanimously supporting renewal of the agreement. The organization has recently updated its administrative processes and created a part-time Civic Centre manager position to ensure consistent operations.
The Town’s analysis notes that all options would maintain the same level of public service, though shifting to a fee-for-service model or in-house management could streamline financial reporting and create long-term efficiencies.
Council will determine which direction to take ahead of the current contract’s expiration in December 2025.
Council Approves Horsfall Rezoning and Development Permit
Town Council will give final approval to the Horsfall rezoning and development variance permit for 837 Park Drive, allowing the site of the former Golden Courthouse to move ahead with redevelopment plans.
The new development is expected to contribute to downtown revitalization while maintaining a balance between residential and commercial use.
