Downtown Revitalization

A downtown vision baked into the Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, not a glossy strategy on a shelf. Here’s what it means if you’re building, opening, or operating downtown.

The plan

The Downtown Revitalization Plan outlines an approach to improving how residents, business owners, and visitors experience the City's downtown. It addresses land use, urban design, public realm (sidewalks, plazas, street trees), parking, and how new development should look and function.

Integrated into City planning

The plan isn't a separate document sitting on a shelf. It has been formally embedded into the City's broader planning framework:

Community Plan 2033 (Bylaw 1427), downtown vision and goals
Zoning Bylaw 1428, what land uses and built form are permitted downtown
Downtown Mixed Use Development Permit Area, design guidelines for new construction and significant alterations

That means anyone designing or building downtown already has the rules in front of them through the regular permitting process.

The City supports downtown development with several complementary tools:

Downtown Area Plan, detailed spatial planning for the downtown core
Development Incentives Guidelines, programs that encourage business investment
Sidewalk Vendor Application Guidelines under Bylaw 1361, supporting street-level commerce like food carts and pop-ups
Special Event Permits under Bylaw 1410, for events, parades, and park use that activate downtown

Tip

Building or expanding downtown?

Start with a pre-application meeting at Development Services (250-365-8964). They will tell you which guidelines apply to your specific site and what the permit process looks like. The Downtown Mixed Use Development Permit Area applies to most properties in the core.

Common questions

Where is the downtown revitalization plan published?

The plan and related guidelines are part of the City's planning framework, published on castlegar.ca and in the bylaw directory (Bylaws 1427, 1428, and the Downtown Mixed Use Development Permit Area Guidelines).

I want to open a storefront downtown. What do I need?

A business licence (Bylaw 1337), and depending on the work, a building permit and possibly a development permit under the Downtown Mixed Use guidelines. Start with a pre-application meeting.

Can I do a sidewalk pop-up or food cart?

Yes, under the Sidewalk Vendor Application Guidelines (Bylaw 1361). Apply through the City.

Are there grants or incentives for downtown businesses?

The Development Incentives Guidelines outline programs the City offers. Specific eligibility depends on your project. Ask Development Services.

What's the Downtown Mixed Use Development Permit Area?

It's a defined area downtown where additional design guidelines apply to new construction and significant renovations. The guidelines aim for a coherent, walkable downtown look and feel.

What to do next

Apply for a business licence

Required for any business operating downtown.

Building permits

The 3-step permit process.

Community Plan 2033

How downtown fits into the broader vision.

Bylaw 1361 (Sidewalk Vendor)

For pop-ups, food carts, and sidewalk commerce.

Still need help?

Talk to Development Services

Phone: 250-365-8964
Email: devserv@castlegar.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
In person: City Hall, 460 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC

Submit a request online

Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.

Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.

Integrated into City planning

The plan isn't a separate document sitting on a shelf. It has been formally embedded into the City's broader planning framework:

Community Plan 2033 (Bylaw 1427), downtown vision and goals

Zoning Bylaw 1428, what land uses and built form are permitted downtown

Downtown Mixed Use Development Permit Area, design guidelines for new construction and significant alterations

That means anyone designing or building downtown already has the rules in front of them through the regular permitting process.

Related resources

The City supports downtown development with several complementary tools:

Downtown Area Plan, detailed spatial planning for the downtown core

Development Incentives Guidelines, programs that encourage business investment

Sidewalk Vendor Application Guidelines under Bylaw 1361, supporting street-level commerce like food carts and pop-ups

Special Event Permits under Bylaw 1410, for events, parades, and park use that activate downtown

Tip

Building or expanding downtown?

Common questions

Where is the downtown revitalization plan published?

I want to open a storefront downtown. What do I need?

A business licence (Bylaw 1337), and depending on the work, a building permit and possibly a development permit under the Downtown Mixed Use guidelines. Start with a pre-application meeting.

Can I do a sidewalk pop-up or food cart?

Yes, under the Sidewalk Vendor Application Guidelines (Bylaw 1361). Apply through the City.

Are there grants or incentives for downtown businesses?

The Development Incentives Guidelines outline programs the City offers. Specific eligibility depends on your project. Ask Development Services.

What's the Downtown Mixed Use Development Permit Area?

It's a defined area downtown where additional design guidelines apply to new construction and significant renovations. The guidelines aim for a coherent, walkable downtown look and feel.