Rossland city council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 3, tackling a range of community-focused initiatives, from housing needs to financial support for local groups.
Key highlights included an update on the Rossland Housing Needs Assessment, a $5,000 grant for a sustainability initiative, and several bylaw approvals aimed at improving city planning.
Housing needs
Lisa Moffatt, principal of resilience planning, addressed council with the latest developments on the Rossland Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan.
She detailed the public engagement process, outlining how residents’ input is shaping future housing policies. The initiative aims to identify key housing challenges and develop solutions to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Pest control initiative
Natural Control Alternatives Society received a financial boost from the city, as council approved a $5,000 grant to support its efforts.
The society promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pest control, aligning with Rossland’s stated commitment to sustainability.
Policy and bylaw updates
Council reviewed and approved updates to several policies to align with evolving standards.
The policy addressing Columbia Basin Trust’s Resident Directed (ReDi) grant allocation was amended to reflect the latest guidelines from the Trust-regional district parameters.
The ReDi grants program, administered locally by the Trust in partnership with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), supports projects that benefit the broad community and public good through community-based decision-making. Eligible applicants include registered non-profits, registered schools, local governments, and First Nations within the RDKB. The application intake period for 2025 is from Jan. 6 to Feb. 18. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through the online application system provided by the Trust. It’s important to note that organizations with outstanding or incomplete final reports from previous funding years as of Dec. 31, 2024, will not be eligible for 2025 ReDi grant funding consideration.
Next, council considered its Personal Expense and Travel Policy, which saw minor changes to improve efficiency, including eliminating the need for annual updates to Canada Revenue Agency rate links.
Several key bylaws also moved forward.
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2844 and Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2845 were adopted, paving the way for a road closure and realignment of the Wagon Road, a critical step in linking future developments with the Green Link Trail.
Road Closure Bylaw No. 2846 was given a third reading, signalling further progress on the project.
Grants and permits
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 2535 McLeod Ave., allowing the construction of a carport with a reduced front setback.
Additionally, the Rossland 2nd Scouts received a one-time grant-in-aid equivalent to their estimated 2025 property tax amount of $5,512.
The support will help the organization continue providing programs for local youth.
Follies agreement
Council reviewed and made amendments to its 2022-2026 Mid-Term Strategic Plan, which will soon be available in the city document library.
In a move of transparency, council declassified a report from an in-camera meeting held on Dec. 9, 2024, regarding the Gold Fever Follies Miners’ Hall Facility Agreement. Residents can now review the details in the latest council agenda package at rossland.ca.
The next Rossland council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m.
