Water and sewer fees are increasing in Kaslo by five per cent this year.
For a residential dwelling unit, that means a water fee of $397 (up from $378 in 2024) and a waste fee of $454 (up from $432).
The increase accounts for higher operating costs of the water and sewer systems.
Other changes made to the fees and charges bylaw include an added fee of $55 for rush processing of a property tax or utility certificate. Also, the aerodrome hangar lease fee was increased by two per cent, and the fee for temporary licences of occupation at the aerodrome was removed. TLO agreements will now be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Aerodrome bylaw
Council gave three readings to a new aerodrome bylaw, which will allow the Village to regulate, prohibit, or otherwise impose requirements on aerodrome users. Council adopted the bylaw during the Dec. 17 special council meeting.
With multiple commercial air carriers using the aerodrome, it is prudent to set guidelines for regulating how vehicles, passengers, and aircraft interact on the apron, said CAO Robert Baker in his Dec. 4 staff report.
Currently, there are no systems in place. This bylaw was the first step towards enacting the Airside Vehicle Operator Permit program, and the Apron Management Plan, which details the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders.
Racquet club lease
The Kaslo Racquet Club’s lease of the municipally-owned tennis and pickleball courts was renewed for a five-year term.
KRC will pay $400 for the first year, with three per cent increases each subsequent year to account for inflation. The lease site includes the courts and some surrounding land. KRC will assume responsibility for site maintenance and will manage access as it sees fit.
Subleases for boat clubs
New sublease agreements have been reached with Kaslo Boat Club and Kaslo Bay Marine Club for use of the marina in Kaslo Bay.
The Village holds a moorage lease with the Province to operate and maintain the marina. The lease allows subleasing to the two clubs through Dec. 14, 2036, but typically the Village has opted for shorter terms.
The two agreements expired in December 2022. Several challenges needed to be overcome while negotiating the new agreements, but with help from the Village’s solicitor, new terms have been settled on.
The clubs have not paid rent since 2022, so 2022-2025 fees will be paid immediately. Sublease payments will then be paid in three-year periods.
Sublease fees are based on the Village’s administrative and other costs, plus 50 per cent of the amount billed to the Village by the Province for the moorage lease.
Housing needs report
Council received the housing needs report from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and directed staff to update the Village’s Official Community Plan and land use bylaws to align with the report.
A Housing Needs Report is required by the Province and helps communities better understand their current and future housing needs. The Village collaborated with the RDCK on the study, completed by M’akola Development Services.
UBCM CRI
The Village submitted an application to the UBCM Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program to continue local FireSmart programming in 2025 and 2026.
The grant offers $200,000 per year for FireSmart programming, and $100,000 per year for fuel modification projects, for a total of $600,000 over two years.
Kaslo has received CRI funding of around $100,000-$200,000 every year since 2020, and has partnered with the RDCK on parts of the program, such as home assessments, the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program, and associated rebates. The Village intends to continue this partnership with the RDCK.
New sculpture for Legacy Park
The All Strings Attached sculpture by Nakusp-based artist Kate Tupper will be coming to Legacy Park in Kaslo for this year’s Regional Sculpture Tour, an offshoot of the Castlegar Sculpture Walk. The Village will lease the sculpture for the year for $2,125.
The Arts and Heritage Committee made the recommendation after reviewing the catalogue. The committee considered installation and maintenance requirements, cost, and subject matter.
Bonnington resident Zen Wang’s sculpture Song to Mothers was chosen for 2024, and is currently installed in Legacy Park.
Winter in the Forest
The Village will provide in-kind support for the 2025 Winter in the Forest Festival, held on the Family Day long weekend in February.
The Public Works crew will clear parking and gathering spaces, and move snow to create piles for slides and sculptures. About 30-40 hours of staff time is needed to prepare the site, which is located at the western end of the aerodrome.
The festival is hosted by the Kaslo and District Community Forest Society, in collaboration with other local community groups.
In 2024, the in-kind contribution cost about $4,325.
