Here is a recap of the November 2025 Council meetings. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at www.golden.civicweb.net and meeting recordings are available on the Town's YouTube channel.

2026 Council Calendar
The 2026 Council Calendar is now available. Save it, print it, post it on your fridge to make sure you never miss a Council meeting! The calendar is available at Town Hall or you can download it here. Learn more about Council meetings at golden.ca/council.

Budget
The Standing Committee on Finance discussed and voted to recommend that Council approve the draft capital budget for inclusion into the Draft 2026- 2030 Five-year Financial Plan Bylaw with the following amendments:

• An adjustment to the funding sources within the building reserve of the Parks & Recreation Capital Budget.
• Ongoing projects will be updated for the publication date of the 5-year Financial Plan.

Learn more about the budget process and upcoming meetings at www.golden.ca/budget.

Delegations & Presentations
Golden’s WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Jenni Barrera made a presentation to Council about the program's goals, objectives and outcomes in 2025.

Council received a presentation from Brace Lee of the Canyon to Confluence Initiative (C2Ci) outlining the C2Ci strategy and voted in favour of supporting the redesign of Centennial Park with the Rotary Club of Golden, improved dyke designs to enhance accessibility, and the development of a River Corridor Master Plan.

The East Kootenay Zonal Immigration Partnership (EKZIP) - Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) Program Coordinator, Katherine Hamilton, made a presentation to Council outlining a new community-driven initiative for newcomers and immigrants to the region.

Updated On-leash/Off-leash Dog Map
On November 18, staff presented an updated on-leash/off-leash dog map. Council approved the updated map which increases on-leash areas. Council also provided direction that the Disc Golf Course will be designated as an on-leash area and that Keith King Memorial Park (KKMP) will have seasonal regulations that will allow dogs on-leash everywhere at KKMP between October and April and on-leash only on the sidelines of sports fields from April - October. For details, including the draft map, view the staff report here.  

2026-2028 CUPE Collective Agreement
Council voted unanimously to ratify the 2026-2028 CUPE Collective Agreement. The renewed agreement prioritizes equity among all Town staff. Historically, inside workers have worked a 35-hour week, while outside workers worked 40 hours, creating a gap in earning potential. Beginning January 1, 2026, all Town employees will transition to a standardized 37.5-hour work week, ensuring greater fairness across roles. Read the full news release. 

Golden Municipal Swimming Pool project
Council voted to request that the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board, with approval of the Area A Director, support an Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF) allocation of $200,000 for the Town of Golden to explore options for expanding the scope of service and required upgrades at the Golden Municipal Swimming Pool while comparing estimates for a new outdoor and/or indoor facility.

FireSmart
Council voted to approve the Town of Golden’s application to the UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program – Allocation-based Funding for FireSmart Activities stream for up to $400,000 to continue Golden's FireSmart program.

Water & Sewer Rates
Council gave first reading to Bylaw No. 1504, 2026 Town of Golden Water System Rates and Regulations Bylaw and Bylaw No. 1505, 2026 Town of Golden Sanitary Sewer Collection Rates and Regulations Bylaw and directed staff to amend the draft bylaws to reflect a 25% increase for water rates and a 15% increase for sewer rates for 2026 for consideration at second reading. Learn more here. 

Planning & Development

Horsfall Zoning Amendment & Development Variance Permit:  On November 4, having received the required approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, Council voted to adopt a zoning bylaw amendment and authorize a development variance permit to allow for the proposed Horsfall development at the location of the former courthouse. Learn more here. 

BC Housing Development Variance Permit:  On November 18, Council authorized a development variance permit for the BC Housing development located at 805-809 11th Ave S. The development includes a four storey mixed use commercial and residential building. Learn more here.