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Rossland Sustainabilty Commission

Keeping Rossland on the Path Towards Sustainability

Visions to Action

Visions to Action is a long-term collaborative initiative to move the community of Rossland towards sustainability. It encompasses work being undertaken by the City of Rossland, volunteer Task Forces and community groups, and citizens themselves.

Community Vision for 2030

In 2030, Rossland is a resilient alpine community and a leader in balancing social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Celebrated for its unique cultural heritage, small-town charm and world-class natural amenities, Rossland offers residents and visitors alike extensive recreational opportunities, trail networks and green spaces. The thriving, diverse economy embraces innovation and entrepreneurism, and its citizens actively contribute to a welcoming, vibrant community that is safe, inclusive and affordable.

  • Unique Cultural Heritage – small-town charm and world-class natural amenities

  • Thriving, Diverse Economy – Rossland embraces innovation and entrepreneurs

  • Welcoming Vibrant Community – safe, inclusive and affordable

  • Recreational Opportunities – trail networks and green spaces

Guiding Principles and Values

Rossland is committed to meeting its existing needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The City considers the long-term impacts of policy decisions and programs and ensures that decision-making processes reflect the local objectives for sustainability.

Rosslanders are stewards of their mountain environment and work to preserve, restore, and manage the ecological health of their environment for present and future generations. The City’s policies and decision-making processes are guided by a desire to maximize environmental benefits while minimizing and mitigating negative environmental impacts.

Rossland’s approach to economic development is guided by a desire to support local business, foster prosperity and develop an economy and labour force that is sufficiently diverse. Such an economy could withstand economic cycles and capitalize on emerging economic opportunities.

Rossland is committed to growth and economic development that protect the natural environment and promote efficient and equitable use of land, energy, water, and material resources. Rosslanders recognize that a healthy environment is integral to the city’s long-term economic and social interests.

Rossland strives to build and maintain a vibrant, safe, and healthy community with a strong social fabric. The City works to ensure that its residents have access to quality education, affordable housing, and basic public services. City policies and planning processes recognize that the quality of social and economic development takes precedence over quantity.

Rosslanders value their small community and its historic character. Development, land use and transportation policies serve to maintain the small town feel of Rossland and ensure that the historic townsite is maintained as the commercial, cultural, and social focal point of the community.

Rosslanders are united in their culture of recreation. City policies and programs encourage the facilitation of year-round indoor and outdoor recreation and keep residents healthy, active and engaged in arts and culture.

Rossland provides leadership in many aspects of sustainable resort planning and community development. In addition to adopting best practices, the City sets an example by developing model programs and innovative approaches to reaching its goals, and by sharing its lessons with others.

Rossland plays an active part in a larger community of shared interests. The City works to build partnerships among businesses, residents and community stake-holders to achieve its shared Community Vision, and with neighboring communities, regional, provincial and federal governments to meet shared objectives.

Rossland recognizes that its citizens are its greatest resource, and that truly effective governance depends upon harnessing the collective expertise, knowledge and creativity of the residents. The City provides citizens with frequent and convenient opportunities for meaningful engagement and input into its decision-making processes.

Sustainability Commission News and Articles

Covering topics from zero waste, reducing energy in your home, saving seeds and gardening.

Energy Talks: Two for One!

May 3rd, 2021|

The Energy Task Force has been working hard to bring you content virtually. In the last month we've hosted two virtual Energy Talks. [...]

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Backyard Chicken Keeping

March 18th, 2021|

In December 2020, The City of Rossland brought in some regulations under the Zoning Bylaw for backyard chicken keeping in residential zones. All [...]

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