Town of Golden Newsletter: September 2026

Join the ReDi Grant Local Selection Committee!

Want to play a key role in Golden’s largest annual granting program? The Town of Golden’s ReDi Grant Local Selection Committee needs one new member.

This Council Committee oversees the distribution of over $300,000 annually to local projects through the Columbia Basin Trust’s ReDi Grant Program, and this is your chance to be part of the decision-making process!

As a committee member, you are required to attend just five meetings a year, are expected to maintain a level of confidentiality, be committed to reviewing applications and participate in the adjudication process. Your commitment will directly support individuals and groups bring projects to life that benefit our community. Over the past 15 years, this committee has approved millions of dollars in funding for local projects.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Meetings are typically held on Wednesday/Thursday evenings, with one meeting in late November or early December, one in mid-February, and 2-3 meetings in March.
  • The first meeting is scheduled for November 26, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
  • The committee includes 9 members, including representatives from Council, the Golden and District Community Foundation, and community members like you.
  • We’re looking to fill one position on the committee. So whether you call the Town of Golden or Area A home, you’re eligible and encouraged to apply!

Learn more about ReDi Grants and the committee.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of this rewarding community committee, forward a detailed letter explaining why you would be a great candidate by Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by email to:

Alysha Saville, Director of Corporate Services & Communications                                alysha.saville@golden.ca

Or drop your letter off at Town Hall.

If you have questions, please reach out by email at alysha.saville@golden.ca or call 250-344-2271 ext. 235.
 

 

Council Briefs

Find out what's new at Town Hall with Council Briefs.

Find out when the next Council meeting its:

Upcoming Council Meetings

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

Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF) Requests

Golden and Area A Trail Alliance: Council voted to support the request from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) on behalf of the Golden Community Economic Development Society, operating as the Golden and Area A Trail Alliance, for operational capacity and implementation support as outlined in a CSRD contribution agreement, which includes Economic Opportunity Fund allocations of $67,000 in 2026, $52,500 in 2027, $55,125 in 2028, and $57,881 in 2029.

Film Readiness Project: Council voted to support the request from the Golden Community Economic Development Society to allocate $90,000 from the Economic Opportunity Fund for the Golden Area Film Readiness Project.

View the staff report.

Rockwater Liquor Licence Application 
Ccouncil reconsidered the Liquor Primary Licence application from the Rockwater for an occupancy increase related to its expansion into the former Reposados space and to licence the rooftop patio, previously under the Whitetooth Bistro as food primary, as liquor primary with a term and condition of a closing time of 12 a.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. Learn more and view the staff report here..

Licence of Occupation for Courts Services
Council voted to direct staff to engage the Ministry of Citizen Services to negotiate a multi-year Licence of Occupation agreement for the use of the Civic Centre as a venue for Courts Services, with staff providing a follow-up report once both parties have agreed upon terms and conditions. View the staff report.

Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee
Council voted to extend the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee Funding Agreement in partnership with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and member municipalities (Revelstoke, Salmon Arm and Sicamous) for an additional three-year term, ending December 31, 2029, with the option to further extend the agreement on or before October 1, 2029. View the staff report.

Tourism Golden
In follow up to a delegation from Tourism Golden in August, Council voted to support the continuation of the 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) for five years beginning July 1, 2027 and provided a letter confirming its support, with Tourism Golden continuing as the designated recipient of the MRDT.

Letter of Support for Kicking Horse Culture 
Council agreed to provide a letter of support to Kicking Horse Culture for the Columbia River Basin Public Art Program grant submission for a permanent, large-scale public sculpture celebrating Golden’s connection to the Columbia River system and local watershed. The location is still to be determined. Learn more about the program.

Borrowing Authorization - 2025 Sweeper
Council voted to approve an application to borrow up to $513,600 under the Equipment Financing Program through the Municipal Finance Authority to replenish the municipality’s equipment reserve which was used to purchase an Elgin Crosswind Vacuum Sweeper in 2025. Doing so ensures that the equipment replacement reserve is able to sustain ongoing procurement of light fleet units over time. View the staff report.

Crown Grant for Reflection Lake Gravel Pit 
Council voted to support an application for a sponsored Crown grant for the Reflection Lake gravel pit land, as well as lands adjacent to and including the existing municipal Crown land license of occupation associated with the Reflection Lake bird viewing platform. With a successful application, the Town can assure control over the lands and authorize use of the lands according to established municipal policy, regulations, and bylaws. View the staff report.

Official Community Plan Bylaw
Council voted to adopt Bylaw No. 1516, 2026 Town of Golden Official Community Plan.

Permissive Tax Exemptions
Council gave first reading to Bylaw No. 1518, 2026 Town of Golden 2027 Permissive Tax Exemptions and approved the updated exemption estimate providing up to $25,496 (remaining Policy limit) of exemption for The Cornerstone in 2027. View the staff report.
 

Project Updates and News

Yard Waste Roundup: October 26

The Town of Golden offers free yard waste pickup days twice annually with a Spring Yard Waste Roundup and a Fall Yard Waste Roundup. The Golden Landfill accepts yard waste year-round at no cost for those in a car, SUV, pick-up truck or with a single-axle trailer.

2026 Fall Yard Waste Date: October 26, 2026

On yard waste pick-up days, residents can place yard waste in containers, compostable bags or bundles at their regular curbside collection area before 8 a.m. on the designated day for free pickup.Bagged yard waste must be in a compostable bag for pickup.Here are some tips that residents need to know about this year’s yard waste roundup:

  • No registration is required.
  • Place yard waste in containers, compostable bags or bundles at your regular curbside area before 8 a.m.
  • Bagged yard waste must be in compostable bags or it will not be picked up.
  • This service is for yard waste only. This includes grass clippings, leaves, tree cones, tree branches, shrubs and bushes. These items must not exceed eight inches in diameter or eight feet in length. Items exceeding these maximum dimensions will not be picked-up.
  • Please bundle prunings to make it easier and faster for us to collect.
  • No other types of waste will be accepted, including construction wood waste.
  • If residents wish to use their black garbage container, please ensure it does not contain garbage before adding yard waste.

Any yard waste not placed in containers, bags, or bundled at the curb will not be picked up.

As you work on your yard, check out these seven tips to FireSmart your property: https://firesmartbc.ca/7-tips-to-firesmart-your-property-this-spring/

Permanent Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-6) for Golden

Time to stay the same. Following a reconsideration of its previous decision, Golden’s Town Council has voted to end semi-annual clock changes and remain permanently on Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-6). ⁣Golden will remain aligned year-round with neighbouring communities in the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK). ⁣

⁣Council's decision followed additional residents feedback and considered factors including regional coordination, impacts to residents and businesses, daylight hours throughout the year, and alignment with neighbouring jurisdictions.⁣

⁣While Council acknowledged concerns about darker winter mornings, a determining factor in their initial decision, staff have been directed to work with School District No. 6, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, and regional partners to explore measures that support pedestrian, student, and roadway safety.⁣

What residents need to know

  • There will be no time change for residents of Golden and Area A this fall.
  • Golden will remain on Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-6) year-round.
  • Golden's time will continue to align with the East Kootenays throughout the year.

Next steps

  • Staff will engage with School District No. 6, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, and regional government partners regarding winter morning safety concerns and potential mitigation measures.
  • Council has committed to reviewing its time observance decision in October 2027, including continued dialogue with the RDEK, community partners, and residents.

To learn more, visit www,golden.ca/timechange.

Your Vote, Your Golden!

This October, residents of Golden will vote to elect 1 Mayor and 6 Town Councillors.

The following persons have been declared candidates in the 2026 municipal election for the Town of Golden:⁣⁣

⁣⁣Candidates for the office of Mayor

  • Kristi Cooper⁣
  • Wes Routley⁣

⁣⁣Candidates for the offices of Councillor

  • Stuart Jeffrey Angus⁣
  • Justin Reynold Baun⁣
  • Calvin Beauchesne⁣
  • James Bjarnason⁣
  • Janet Lynn Crandall⁣
  • John Manuel⁣
  • Ron Oszust⁣
  • Rick Pullen⁣
  • David Michal Ratzlaff⁣
  • Dustin James Shanahan⁣

All offices will be held for a four-year term.

When and where to vote

Advance Voting: Advance voting will take place on Wednesday, October 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mount 7 Rec Plex.

Voting Day: Voting Day will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mount 7 Rec Plex.

Special Voting: Special Voting will be available for electors who are patients, tenants or staff of the following facilities at the time of voting on Wednesday, October 7 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at:

  • Abbeyfield House: 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Durand Manor: 2:30-3 p.m.
  • Mountain View Assisted Living: 3-3:30 p.m.
  • General Hospital: 3:30-4 p.m.

For more information on voter eligibility and the voting process, visit golden.ca/2026election.

To learm more about the candidates, visit www.golden.ca/2026candidates