Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Castlegar's housing strategy, resources for tenants and homeowners, and the zoning changes that made ADUs easier to build.
Following BC's Bill 44 (Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023), Castlegar adopted Bylaw 1428 (Zoning) in July 2024, opening up small-scale multi-unit housing on most residential lots. This covers secondary suites, basement suites, carriage houses, and garden suites. See the accessory dwellings page for current rules and how to start a project.
The City's Housing Strategy was presented to Council on August 16, 2021, and sets out five focus areas: Affordable Housing, Housing Diversity, Rental Housing, Barrier Reduction, and Partnerships. See the Housing Strategy page for the full breakdown.
BC requires municipalities to publish regular Housing Needs Reports. For the most current Castlegar Housing Needs Assessment, contact Development Services or check the Master Plans section of the City's reports library.
Tenancy issues in BC are primarily governed by the Residential Tenancy Act and administered by the BC Residential Tenancy Branch, not the City. For rent-related disputes, evictions, or repairs issues, the RTB at gov.bc.ca/residential-tenancies is the right starting point.
For homeowners planning renovations or new construction, the City publishes guides and works closely with Development Services:
Tip
Start with a pre-application meeting
The City’s housing work combines the Housing Needs Report, OCP policies (Bylaw 1427), and Zoning Bylaw amendments (Bylaw 1428) to address supply and affordability. Current major initiatives include the ADU expansion under Bill 44, the Infill Housing Program grant application, and an ongoing review of zoning to support more housing types in more places.
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