#council
🚪 Council Goes Behind Closed Doors
Should your city council be allowed to discuss land deals in secret? Tonight's meeting will move to a closed, in-camera session to discuss potential land acquisition, disposition, or expropriation matters that could affect our community.
🔒 In-camera meetings are legally permitted under the Community Charter
🏛️ Council can close meetings when disclosure could harm municipal interests
⚖️ Section 90(1)(e) covers land acquisition, disposition or expropriation matters
📋 Protects the municipality's position in potential land negotiations
🔓 Some in-camera matters can be declassified and made public later
🏠 Land acquisition - purchasing property for municipal needs
💰 Land disposition - selling or transferring city-owned property
🚧 Expropriation - taking property for public use with compensation
🏢 Land improvements - modifications or developments on properties
🤝 Strategic negotiations that could be harmed by public disclosure
Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 - immediately following the Public Hearing at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue)
What happens next: Some in-camera matters can be declassified and made public through future council meetings and municipal reports.
Your Voice Matters in Local Democracy 🗳️
Tonight's council meeting includes a dedicated Public Input Period - your chance to speak directly to elected officials about issues that matter to you and your community.
🎙️ Share concerns about city services, policies, or community issues
💡 Propose ideas for improving Rossland
❓ Ask questions about ongoing city projects or decisions
📢 Advocate for causes important to your neighborhood
📋 Public Input Period is scheduled as item (2) on tonight's agenda - your opportunity to address council during the official meeting.
When: Monday, October 20, 2025 - immediately following the Public Hearing
Where: Rossland Council Chambers, 1920 Third Avenue
How to Participate: Attend the meeting and wait for the Public Input Period to be called (item 2 on the agenda).
How should Rossland manage taxpayer reserves?
🏛️ Council is updating the city's financial reserve policy
This policy determines how much money the city keeps in different savings accounts for emergencies, infrastructure repairs, and future projects. The updated rules will guide how your tax dollars are managed and saved for years to come.
💰 Municipal reserves are like the city's savings accounts for specific purposes
🚨 Emergency reserves help avoid tax spikes during unexpected crises or repairs
🏗️ Infrastructure reserves fund major projects like road repairs and facility upgrades
📊 Policy sets minimum balance targets to ensure long-term financial stability
🎯 Updated policy reflects current operational needs and 2024 financial position
📋 Reserve balance targets updated based on December 2024 audited financials
🔧 Policy language clarified to better define reserve purposes and usage
🌱 New emphasis on climate action and renewable energy commitments
💼 Asset management planning integrated into reserve strategy
⚖️ All changes maintain compliance with provincial legislation requirements
How should the city balance financial reserves?
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📅 Council Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 Location: Rossland Council Chambers - 1920 Third Avenue
The meeting will be held immediately following the Public Hearing.
Who Gets Tax Breaks in 2026?
Council is deciding which organizations won't pay municipal property taxes next year - and who picks up the difference.
🏛️ Council will consider adopting Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw No. 2853
📋 The bylaw covers tax exemptions for 2026
📄 This is part of Council's regular policy and bylaw decisions
What are your thoughts on permissive tax exemptions for 2026?
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Council Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue)
Council will vote on adopting 2026 Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw No. 2853 during the Policies and Bylaws section.
🎄 Christmas Spirit Needs City Support
Community organizers are seeking Rossland's help to Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas this December. The festive event needs City electrical supply and sidewalk space to bring holiday magic to downtown.
⚡ Access to City electrical supply for event lighting and activities
🚶 Use of downtown sidewalks for event setup and activities
📅 Event scheduled for December 6th, 2025
🎄 Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas 2025 Event
🏢 Requires Council approval for City resource usage
Should the City approve electrical supply and sidewalk use for this Christmas event?
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Council decides October 20th following the Public Hearing at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue). Event organizers need approval to finalize December 6th planning.
Want to weigh in? Attend the meeting or contact Council before the vote.
Council Going Behind Closed Doors 🚪
Tonight's Rossland Council meeting will pause public viewing to discuss confidential land matters. This closed session is legally required when discussing property deals that could harm the city's negotiating position if made public.
Why the Secrecy is Necessary
🏢 Acquisition - City considering buying land or buildings
💰 Disposition - City considering selling municipal property
⚖️ Expropriation - Forced purchase for public projects
Why the Secrecy is Necessary
🤐 Public discussion could drive up prices or harm negotiations
📋 Community Charter legally requires these discussions be private
What questions do you have about closed Council sessions?
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📅 October 20, 2025 - Council meeting at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue), immediately following Public Hearing
What happens next:
- Council will return to public session after land discussions
- Any decisions made may be announced when legally possible
- Watch for future agenda items related to land transactions
Got Something to Say to Council? 🗣️
Your voice matters in local decisions! Every Council meeting includes a dedicated time for residents to speak directly to your elected officials about issues that matter to you and your community.
Understanding Public Input
🎤 Dedicated time allocated for public participation
📝 Opportunity to address municipal issues or concerns
👥 Platform for residents to speak to Council
Understanding Public Input
🏛️ Part of the regular Council meeting process
🗣️ Structured way to have your voice heard
What You Can Address
🏠 Neighborhood concerns (traffic, noise, development)
💰 City budget priorities and spending
🌳 Parks, recreation, and environmental issues
What You Can Address
🚧 Infrastructure needs (roads, water, utilities)
📋 Feedback on proposed bylaws or policies
Where to Attend
Who's representing you in 2026?
Council is finalizing committee appointments that determine which councillors will advocate for different community interests and oversee key services throughout 2026.
🏛️ Committee appointments determine council oversight of city services
📚 Library liaison provides direct council representation for library users
🌲 Regional district appointments affect decisions on rural services and environmental issues
👥 Appointments influence which community groups get dedicated council support
⚖️ Distribution of roles affects workload balance and expertise matching
📋 2026 council appointments approved as presented by staff
📚 Councillor Provencal appointed as Rossland Public Library liaison
🏔️ Mayor Morel confirmed as Regional District of Kootenay Boundary representative
🔄 Councillor Weaver confirmed as regional district alternate
📅 Appointments effective for full 2026 calendar year
Do you have feedback about these council appointments?
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Appointments were approved at the October 6, 2025 council meeting. Next regular council meeting is Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1920 Third Avenue.
Who Gets Tax Breaks in 2026? 🏛️
Rossland Council is deciding which organizations will receive property tax exemptions next year - saving them money while other taxpayers cover the difference.
🏛️ Council is adopting the 2026 Permissive Tax Exemptions Bylaw No. 2853
📋 This bylaw affects tax exemptions for the 2026 tax year
📝 The bylaw requires Council adoption to take effect
🏢 The decision impacts property tax exemptions for organizations
📋 Council will adopt Bylaw No. 2853 for 2026 permissive tax exemptions affecting qualifying organizations.
What are your thoughts on tax exemptions for community organizations?
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Meeting: October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) to adopt Bylaw No. 2853.
New Pet Rules Coming to Rossland?
Council is set to adopt a comprehensive Animal Control Bylaw that will establish new rules for pet ownership, leashing requirements, and enforcement procedures throughout the city. 🐕
Council will consider adopting Animal Control Bylaw No. 2862, 2025 - a comprehensive municipal bylaw that will establish new regulations for animal control within the city limits.
This bylaw will be considered under Policies and Bylaws as a Request for Council Decision, indicating it's ready for formal adoption after the development process.
Should Rossland adopt new animal control regulations?
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Official Votes
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Council Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 immediately following the Public Hearing at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue). The Animal Control Bylaw is listed under Policies and Bylaws for council decision.
💰 Will Your City Services Cost More in 2026?
Rossland Council is set to adopt a new Fees and Charges Bylaw that will determine what residents pay for municipal services next year. From building permits to recreation programs, these fees directly impact your household budget.
Council will vote to adopt a comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw that will set the cost structure for various municipal services in 2025. The specific details of which services and fee amounts are not included in the public agenda.
This bylaw will establish the official fee structure for municipal services in 2025, though specific amounts are not included in the public agenda.
What are your thoughts on municipal fee structures?
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📊 Your City's Q3 Report Card is In
How is Rossland performing on the services and projects you pay for? Council gets a quarterly progress update on everything from infrastructure to community programs. Time to see how your city is doing! 🏛️
📄 Council receives quarterly Corporate Management Plan updates
🗓️ Q3 2025 report presented as information item
🏛️ Municipal transparency through regular reporting
👥 Public can access meeting documents for full details
📅 Part of ongoing municipal accountability process
Council Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) immediately following the Public Hearing.
📄 Full Q3 Corporate Management Plan report available in meeting documents for residents seeking detailed municipal performance information.
Mining Giant Merger Seeks City Support
Two major mining companies are merging, and they want Rossland Council to write a letter supporting the deal to Canada's Minister of Industry. But what's in it for our community?
🏭 Teck Resources and Anglo American are merging operations
📝 Companies requested Rossland write support letter to federal minister
🏛️ Council voted to provide the requested letter of support
📨 Letter will be sent to Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry
🏗️ Letter will mention importance of legacy lands to surrounding communities
🏗️ Legacy lands are mentioned as important to surrounding communities
📄 Council will emphasize legacy lands importance in the support letter
🏭 Merger involves Teck Resources and Anglo American operations
🏛️ Council wants to ensure community interests are represented
🤝 Support letter connects local concerns with corporate merger
Should Rossland advocate for corporate mergers?
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Council Decision Made: October 6, 2025 meeting - motion carried. Support letter will be sent to Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry. Next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026.
🚪 Behind Closed Doors?
Council wants to kick you out of part of Tuesday's meeting 👥➡️🚪
Two sensitive topics will be discussed without public oversight: • Personnel matters (hiring decisions) • Land deals (property acquisitions)
When does protecting privacy cross into secrecy? 🤔
🏛️ Closed sessions are legal under BC's Community Charter
⚖️ Required for sensitive topics that could harm individuals or city interests
🤐 Protects employee privacy during hiring and disciplinary matters
💰 Prevents interference with land negotiations and property deals
📋 Still must follow rules - can't just close meetings whenever they want
👥 Personal information about current or potential city employees
🏠 Land acquisition details that could drive up property prices if public
🔒 Protects individuals from public scrutiny during job processes
💵 Prevents speculation that could cost taxpayers more in land deals
⚠️ You'll miss decisions that could affect your neighborhood
What's the right balance between government transparency and protecting sensitive information? Should residents accept closed-door discussions for personnel and land matters, or do you want more public oversight even if it costs the city money?
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📅 Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM Council Chambers, 310 Ward Street (2nd Floor)
Public portion: 4:30-6:00 PM, then 7:00 PM onwards Closed session: Happens mid-meeting
🗣️ You can still: Attend open portions, ask questions during public time, request follow-up info after decisions are made
💰 Resident Questions New City Positions
During public input at the October 6th council meeting, a Rossland resident challenged the city's financial planning by questioning two proposed staffing additions in the five-year budget preview.
🏊 Asked if new part-time Recreation employee would be user-funded rather than taxpayer-funded
📢 Questioned the necessity of a proposed part-time communications position
📊 Resident had reviewed the five-year financial plan preview beforehand
🏛️ Questions raised during designated public input period at council meeting
This resident engagement highlights the importance of the upcoming budget discussions. Council is planning a 'World Café' community engagement event on October 27th from 6-8pm at Miners Hall for residents to discuss the draft financial plan. The final 2026-2030 budget will be decided in coming meetings.
Who's Running Rossland? 🏛️
When Mayor steps away, who takes charge? 🤔
Council is voting on a transparent rotation schedule for 2026 - so residents always know exactly who's accountable for city decisions when the mayor is unavailable.
No surprises, no confusion. Just clear democratic leadership! ✨
📋 Monthly rotation system keeps leadership fresh and fair
⚖️ Required by law - Community Charter Section 130
📊 Schedule based on councillors' availability survey
🗳️ November & December left open due to October 2026 election
💰 Zero cost to taxpayers - just better organization
2026 Acting Mayor Schedule
🌲 January: Councillor Weaver
❤️ February: Councillor Humpherys
🌸 March: Councillor Spooner
🌷 April: Councillor Provençal
🌼 May: Councillor Kwiatkowski
2026 Acting Mayor Schedule
☀️ June: Councillor Weaver
🌞 July: Councillor Provençal
🌊 August: Councillor Boyce
🍂 September: Councillor Spooner
🎃 October: Councillor Humpherys
Do you think this rotating Acting Mayor schedule provides good accountability and transparency for Rossland residents?
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🗺️ What's Next:
Council will vote on this schedule at their next meeting. This administrative decision ensures residents always know who's in charge when needed.
🗣️ Have Questions? Contact City Hall or attend council meetings to learn more about municipal governance.
Bookmark this schedule - you might need to know who's Acting Mayor throughout 2026!
What Will Your City Look Like in 2030? 🏙️
Council is about to make huge decisions that will shape our community for the next 5 years! 💰
From your tax bill to park upgrades to road repairs - it all gets decided in the 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
The big question: What direction should staff take when planning how YOUR tax dollars get spent? 🤔
💰 Sets tax rates for residents and businesses
🚌 Plans transit, roads, and infrastructure spending
🏊 Decides on recreation facilities and programs
🏘️ Shapes housing and development policies
🚨 Allocates funds for police, fire, and emergency services
🌳 Budgets for parks, environmental initiatives
📚 Plans library, community center investments
💵 Your property taxes through 2030
🚗 Which roads get fixed and when
🏀 New recreation facilities vs maintaining current ones
🏠 How much growth and development to allow
🚑 Emergency service response times and coverage
🌱 Climate action and environmental protection funding
What should be the TOP priority for our city's spending over the next 5 years - keeping taxes low, investing in infrastructure upgrades, or expanding services?
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NEXT STEPS 🗺️
📅 Council meets: October 6, 2025 🗣️ Your voice matters: This is the PERFECT time to influence long-term planning
How to participate: • Attend the council meeting • Submit written feedback • Contact your councillor
Don't wait - once staff gets direction, the major framework is set! 🚨
🏛️ $70 Billion Merger Needs Council's Opinion?
Council is being asked to write a letter of support to the federal Minister regarding the Teck-Anglo American merger into "Anglo Teck."
This would create the world's 5th largest copper producer and BC's largest corporation ever. But should local government take positions on private business deals? 🤔
🏭 Anglo Teck would become one of the world's largest critical minerals companies
🇨🇦 Global headquarters and senior management staying in Canada
⚡ Major producer of copper, zinc, iron ore for clean energy transition
🌍 Operations span Canada, US, Chile, Peru, and South Africa
💼 Largest corporation ever to be headquartered in British Columbia
"The BC Chamber of Commerce officially endorses the announced merger... Views the transaction as a significant advancement for Canada's economic strength and global competitiveness"— BC Chamber of Commerce to Minister Joly
Should Council write a letter supporting the Anglo Teck merger to the federal Minister? What factors should they consider when taking positions on corporate business deals?
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📅 Council will decide on this motion at their next meeting
🗣️ Have your say: Contact Council before the meeting or attend to share your views on whether municipal government should take positions on corporate mergers
📧 Submit comments through the city website or attend the meeting in person
🚪 Council Going Behind Closed Doors
September 15th Council Meeting Alert 🏛️
Council is voting to close part of their meeting to the public for confidential discussions. While sometimes necessary, these "in-camera" sessions limit public oversight of your local government.
The Question: When should your elected officials be allowed to meet without you? 🤔
What Are In-Camera Meetings?
🔒 "In-camera" means council meets privately without public or media
📋 Only allowed for specific reasons outlined in the Community Charter
⚖️ Protects sensitive information that could harm municipal interests if public
What Are In-Camera Meetings?
🕐 Used sparingly - most council business must remain public
📝 General topics discussed are usually announced, but not details
What's Being Discussed Privately
💼 Municipal Service Negotiations - Early-stage talks about providing new town services
⚖️ Legal Matters - Discussions about current or potential litigation involving the municipality
🕰️ Both topics are considered too sensitive for public discussion at this preliminary stage
🏛️ Council believes public knowledge could harm the town's negotiating position
Your Voice on Government Transparency
How do you feel about council holding confidential meetings for service negotiations and legal matters? Should there be stricter limits on in-camera sessions, or do you trust council to use them appropriately?
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Stay Engaged & Informed
📅 September 15, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
How to Stay Involved: • Attend public portion of meetings • Review published council minutes • Ask questions during public comment • Contact councillors about concerns
📋 Note: Council must report general outcomes when appropriate.
Democracy works best when residents stay engaged! 🗳️
Pool in Peril? 🏊♀️
The Rossland Heritage Pool Society stepped up to Council with serious concerns about our community pool's future 💭
Kayle Robson and Sandra Beautain delivered an open letter outlining the challenges facing this beloved facility that serves families, seniors, and swimmers across our community.
🏊♀️ Community advocates voiced specific concerns about pool operations and sustainability
📋 Formal open letter presented to Council detailing current challenges
👥 Rossland Heritage Pool Society representing broader community interests
🏛️ Society emphasizing importance of preserving this community asset
🤝 Society offering to work collaboratively with the City on solutions
💰 Already secured approximately $3,500 in fundraising efforts
🎆 Committed to providing ongoing fundraising support
🛠️ Constructive approach focused on partnership, not just problems
Your Voice Matters on Pool Future 🗣️
This presentation shows how community groups can bring concerns directly to Council and offer solutions.
Interested in supporting the pool?
- Attend future Council meetings
- Support local fundraising efforts
- Share your experiences with Council
Community collaboration helps preserve facilities we value! 🏘️
Is Your City Transparent Enough? 🏛️
Rossland Council is deciding whether to adopt a $75,000 communications strategy that promises to make city information more timely, accessible, and engaging.
Currently, residents say they struggle to find city information when they need it - even though the information exists. 📱💻
The proposed strategy aims to rebuild trust through better transparency and two-way engagement with residents.
Four-Goal Strategy for Better Communication
🔒 Build Trust Through Transparency - Post 90% of Council decisions within 24 hours, livestream upgrades
💬 Make Engagement Easy - New "Engage Rossland" portal, 48-hour response guarantee to online queries
🏔️ Celebrate Rossland's Identity - Weekly Instagram content, "Local Legends" series, partner with Tourism Rossland
⚙️ Build Internal Capacity - Hire 0.5 FTE Communications Coordinator, staff training, accessibility improvements
The Investment: $75,000 total
- $50K for 0.5 FTE Communications Coordinator
- $25K for tools & equipment
Phased Approach: Part-time coordinator + staff training in plain-language communication.
Expected Results: 25% increase in website visits, 30% boost in social media reach, improved trust from 42% to 50%.
What's most important to you for city communications: faster updates about Council decisions, easier ways to give input on issues, more celebration of local community stories, or better website accessibility?
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Next Steps: 📅 Council will decide on adopting this strategy at their upcoming meeting 💬 Public input welcome before the decision 📧 Email city@rossland.ca with your thoughts 🏛️ Attend Council meetings to stay informed
Implementation: If approved, changes would roll out through 2025-2027 with quarterly progress updates to residents.
💰 Where Did Your Tax Dollars Go?
The City of Rossland spent $501,453 of your tax dollars in August 2025 on municipal services and programs. From youth activities to fire safety, infrastructure upgrades to museum support - your money funded dozens of community initiatives.
🏛️ Council must now approve this monthly spending report as part of our city's financial transparency measures.
💻 $18,211 in computer-printed payments for regular operations
🏦 $203,565 in electronic fund transfers to service providers
💳 $279,678 in EFT payments for major contracts and projects
📊 132 total payments processed with full oversight controls
🔍 Every dollar tracked and requires Council approval for transparency
🎆 $12K Youth Action Network programming (final payment)
🔥 $11K Fire Smart wildfire protection services
🛜 $13K skateboard park upgrades for local youth
🏢 $34K museum revitalization grant work
👥 $33K Age Friendly programming for seniors
🌳 $16K dangerous tree removal for public safety
Why This Matters for Accountability 🔍
This monthly cheque register serves as a crucial transparency tool - giving residents regular insight into city spending beyond just quarterly reports.
✅ Multiple staff review every payment ✅ Council approves all expenditures ✅ Aligns with approved 2025-2029 budget ✅ Follows Community Charter requirements
Do you think the city's spending priorities in August reflected what matters most to Rossland residents? What municipal services or programs would you want to see more investment in?
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📅 Next Steps & How to Engage
Council will vote on approving this spending report at their next meeting. This is your chance to:
• Ask questions about specific expenditures • Provide input on spending priorities • Learn more about the city's financial oversight
🏛️ Attend council meetings to stay informed about how your tax dollars are invested in our community!
Should Council Support Seniors Programming? 🏛️
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is seeking Council's support for a New Horizons for Seniors Grant application. 🎯
This federal grant program funds projects that benefit seniors through cultural programming. The museum wants a letter of support to strengthen their application. 📝
Council will decide whether to endorse this community initiative for Rossland's seniors. 🤝
🎯 New Horizons for Seniors is a federal grant program
👥 Funds community-based projects that benefit seniors
🏛️ Museums can apply to enhance programming for older adults
📚 Could support educational workshops, cultural events, or accessibility improvements
💰 Grant funding reduces costs for seniors to participate in museum activities
🤝 Council's letter of support strengthens the application but doesn't commit city funds
What Council is Being Asked: Provide a letter of support for the museum's grant application - no city funding required. 📝
Why Letters of Support Matter: Federal grant applications are stronger when they show community backing from local government. 🏢
The Decision: Council will vote on whether to endorse this seniors-focused initiative at the museum. ✅
Should Council provide a letter of support for the Rossland Museum's seniors grant application? What types of programming would benefit seniors most at the museum?
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Next Steps: This motion will be considered at the next Council meeting. 🗓️
How to Participate: • Attend the Council meeting to speak during public input • Submit written comments to Council before the meeting • Contact your councillors directly with your thoughts
Stay Informed: Watch for meeting agendas and updates on the city website. 📱