Message from the Mayor

Welcome to Castlegar and the West Kootenay. Having been born and raised in the Castlegar area, it is easy for me to extol the virtues of Castlegar living. I would prefer to tell you about Castlegar through the eyes of newcomers and Valley explorers I talk to – those who see our culture and geography as tourists, or potential future residents and/or investors.

I’m told we are indeed mountain landscapes, big trees, the confluence of our rivers, Arrow Lakes, and hot summer, snowy winter climate. We are the downhill skiing, championship golfing, boating, hiking and biking….all of the outdoor stuff that makes recreation much more than a couch and TV. But most people also quickly add that what sticks in the memory is the warmth of people. There is a ‘realness’ of human spirit that is refreshing in a world that some might say has become a bit sombre.

People and place are nurtured by a third pillar of living life well: opportunity. Castlegar’s economic base is stable and diversified. The City is big enough to support full services. However, we believe the West Kootenay’s population of 60,000 is underserviced, and we are working hard to accelerate local and regional economic development. We do have very suitable (and rare) flat land available for new commercial development. A location right in the middle of Vancouver and Calgary means the West Kootenay is less invested than valleys to the east and west. There is also a business and cost of living affordability that means entrepreneurs can balance both ‘the books,’ and life.

Best wishes for the time you spend in Castlegar.

Mayor Lawrence Chernoff

City of Castlegar, 460 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC V1N 1G7
Phone: (250) 365-7227 Fax: (250) 365-4810
Contact City Hall by Email