Frequently Asked Questions

 The following provides responses to the questions received through the engagement on RDCK Climate Actions. As we receive questions and comments, we are providing updates below and at engage.rdck.ca/rdck-climate-action (updated on September 14, 2023). The questions and answers have been organized into general, transportation, energy, buidlings, agriculture, water supply, resource recovery, land use & planning and wildfire, floods & geohazards. 

GENERAL

 1.       How will the 35 new actions in the RDCK Climate Actions Plan be funded? What is the financial cost to the public to implement the CAP?

The cost for this Plan is estimated at $1,000,000 plus staff time over the 4-year period. This estimate includes costs for a Climate Action Coordinator for 2 years to lead the implementation of RDCK Climate Actions and 4 Community Climate Ambassadors to lead community engagement and culture building. The remainder of the costs are primarily associated with the new actions identified.

Staff anticipate that a significant portion of the costs can be funded through Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) and Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) with the remainder being covered primarily through grants over the 4-year life-cycle of the plan.

2.       How was this Plan developed? How has the RDCK worked with and consulted the public in the development of this plan?

RDCK Climate Actions is built on 4 years (2019-2023) of internal and external engagement through the State of Climate Action, 100% Renewable Energy Plan, MyRDCK-MyIdea (internal engagement), review and integration of community plans and strategies including the RDCK Resource Recovery Plan, West Kootenay Transit Plans, and Official Community Plans. All these plans require extensive community engagement in their development. Please refer to page 32 of RDCK Climate Actions for a full break down of all the documents referenced in the development of RDCK Climate Actions.

Much of the RDCK Climate Actions is built on the engagement and feedback that came through the 100% Renewable Energy Plan process. Please refer to pages 219-229 of the 100% Renewable Energy Plan for details about the Community and Stakeholder Feedback.

Over 8 months (September 2022 to April 2023), the draft RDCK Climate Actions was shared with residents, First Nations, community groups and member municipalities. Staff conducted six online community sessions, two in-person community sessions, two radio interviews and had many phone conversations. These conversations were with residents across the RDCK and largely relayed a positive response to the Plan. Additionally, 54 jot form responses were received and 3 newspaper articles (Valley Voice, Creston Valley Advance and Nelson Star) were published. As requested by the Board, staff also met with individual groups to hear their specific concerns and questions.

State of Climate Action in the RDCK | Regional District of Central Kootenay: https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/climate-action/state-of-climate-action-in-the-rdck.html

Home - 100% Renewable Energy: www.westkootenayrenewableenergy.ca

RDCK Climate Action PUBLIC BOOKLETdraft: https://www.rdck.ca/assets/Services/Sustainability~and~Environmental~Initiatives/Documents/2023-04-03-RDCK_CA_PUBLIC_BOOKLETdraft.pdf

RDCK Climate Action WORKBOOK draft: https://www.rdck.ca/assets/Services/Sustainability~and~Environmental~Initiatives/Documents/2023-04-23-RDCK_CA_WORKBOOKdraft.pdf

 3.       How will this Plan be monitored and reviewed?

It is a 4-year plan with a scheduled review at year 2 (2025) and is focused on identifying/finding solutions for climate action that reflect the diverse needs of RDCK residents. As it is implemented, residents will be able to shape and guide the outcomes of many of the actions. For example, the majority of the 35 actions that are not in existing RDCK workplans take the form of pilots, investigations and inquiries that will involve the community in development and outcomes.

 4.       Instead of bringing in governmental policies from other areas, should we not be making policies that best fit our region?

Yes. The intent of the Climate Actions Plan is to explore what solutions and adaptations will be suitable to our local rural context. We intentionally avoided a ‘copy & paste’ approach when referencing plans from other regions with very different characteristics to ours.

 5.       What does anti-racism have to do with climate action, and how does it apply to rural communities in the RDCK?

In the context of the RDCK, it is imperative that climate action encompasses principles of equity, including anti-racism efforts. Rural communities are not exempt from the consequences of climate change, and it is crucial to recognize that the impacts are not evenly distributed. Marginalized communities, including racialized populations, often face disproportionate vulnerabilities and endure the most of climate change impacts. By incorporating anti-racism into climate action, we can address the systemic inequalities that contribute to these disparities, ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, amplify the voices of marginalized rural communities, and foster inclusive and sustainable solutions that leave no one behind in the face of the climate crisis.

In 2020, the RDCK committed inclusion, diversity and anti-Racism stating that the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) believes in an inclusive society where all people feel safe, respected and are treated equitably and with dignity. The RDCK recognizes this is a crucial time to listen and learn about discrimination and racism experienced by members of our community. Fighting racism is difficult work, to be certain, but essential. We stand together and are committed to identify how we can make positive change for people of colour and indigenous people across the RDCK and hereby unanimously support the #DifferentTogetherPledge initiated by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

 6.       Where can RDCK residents access physical copies of the CAP?

These can be requested from climateaction@rdck.bc.ca and will be mailed out, or can be picked up from the following RDCK office locations:

  • 202 Lakeside Drive – Nelson (8:30am — 4:30pm Mon-Friday – closed 12:30-1:30pm)
  • 204 6th Avenue NW – Nakusp (8:30am - 12:30pm Wed and Friday)
  • 531B-16 Avenue S – Creston (8:30am - 1:00pm Mon-Friday)

 7.       How can I agree to a low carbon lifestyle for all residents when I don’t know what that means?

A low carbon lifestyle refers to adopting practices and making choices that minimize the carbon footprint and reduce the overall impact on the environment. While transitioning towards a more sustainable future can be a daunting task for all of us, the RDCK is eager to work alongside residents in learning just how this future can be reached and what exactly it will look like.

 8.       How can I consent to cultural gentrification without being properly informed on how it will affect me physically, emotionally or economically?

You are not being asked to do this. Cultural gentrification refers to the process in which a neighborhood or community undergoes significant changes in its cultural character and identity due to the influx of wealthier residents or businesses. The RDCK has no intent to impose any sort of culture gentrification on the region. Rather we would like to collaborate on how to move forward together towards a more sustainable future while ensuring a just and equitable transition for all residents.

 9.       What scientific information are we basing this Climate Action Plan on when NASA scientists have debunked the C02 storyline?

While nature has long maintained a balanced level of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, human activities (namely the burning of fossil fuels and alteration of ecosystems) during the last century have drastically upset this balance. It is our responsibility to work together to address the resulting climate crisis which is already affecting both natural and human systems globally. The claim that NASA has debunked human-caused climate change due to carbon emissions is false. NASA’s research and data on the topic which clearly support the global scientific community’s opinion can be found here:
https://climate.nasa.gov/

Another great source of information on climate science based on regional climate data is the Columbia Basin Climate Source found here: https://basinclimatesource.ca/

 10.   Are you basing this Climate information from the UN or World Economic Forum and their 2030 agenda?

Climate science and data is based on the efforts of thousands of scientist across the globe. The RDCK Climate Action Plan is based on peer-reviewed, international research, including the efforts of those involved in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports which can be read at:
https://www.ipcc.ch/about/

 11.   If our Canadian Security Intelligence Service is telling us our government has had foreign interference and is warning municipalities against digitizing and smart cities with smart technologies – do you not think they might be privy to important information that we are not and that perhaps we should heed their warnings?

The RDCK Climate Actions Plan does not advocate for the development of ‘Smart Cities’, and while we remain open to the introduction of technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions, the Climate Actions Plan focuses primarily on how regional decisions and behaviors can shift to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of these actions. In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), care will be taken when digitizing certain RDCK processes to ensure the safety and security of residents’ information. RDCK Climate Actions is not prescriptive; it is a guidance plan that supports personal choice and autonomy.

 12.   Are you addressing the government, private corporations and the military’s active interference with continually modifying weather with geoengineering? (please refer to the Government of Canada’s Weather Modification Act, Treaty E103819 between the States and Canada and also the BC Weather Modification Act)

The BC Weather Modification Act was repealed in 2003. The Government of Canada’s Weather Modification Act allows the Federal Government to require all individuals or organization to report any type of weather modification activities. The Act is used to regulate such activities; it is not used to support any type of governmental weather modification activities. RDCK Climate Actions does not speak to weather modification or geoengineering, it is about mitigating human impact on climate and adapting to the changes we are experiencing.

 13.   Aren’t corporations the biggest polluters of the environment and why is there no mention of changing their behaviors?

While the RDCK has very limited control over industry, we intend to influence industries and corporations to shift towards more sustainable practices and cultures. There is significant impact that can come from personal and community level action too.

 14.   If RDCK is a corporation and corporations answer to shareholders, am I a shareholder? And, if so, do I not have a say on what grants are accepted and how the funds are used?

Residents of the RDCK are most definitely stakeholders in regional government decisions and as such are encouraged to become involved in these local government decision-making processes. There are many ways to be involved including attending Board meetings, engaging with local Directors, and collaborating with staff on the efforts they make to provide the regional public with over 200 services. Please visit the RDCK website to find out more on these ways to become involved. The following link describes how the public can get involved in the RDCK Climate Actions engagement process:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/climate-action/get-involved.html

 15.   If actions require “stakeholder engagement” – who are the stakeholders?

Stakeholders include the public, local non-profit organizations, local industry, institutions, RDCK staff and departments, elected officials and other local and orders of governments.

TRANSPORTATION

 

 16.   Will the CAP force everyone to switch to EV’s (electric vehicles)?

No, RDCK Climate Actions is not a regulatory plan, it is a guidance plan. While the Plan does aim to help the region transition to low-carbon transportation, we understand that the feasibility and applicability of different options will vary within the region. We are in the process of developing a Regional Active & Low Carbon Transportation Strategy that will involve extensive participation from the public and other stakeholders to bolster a local network of sustainable transportation options, including but not limited to walking and bike paths, public transportation, and ride-sharing options.

The Province has set 2040 to make the switch to 100% light-duty electric vehicle sales (new cars only) and is now outlining through the Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/oic/arc_oic/0448_2020 how that will look in BC. Within that regulation, people will still be able to choose what kind of vehicle they drive.

 17.   Has the RDCK considered the impacts (environmental, social, and economic) and safety risks that could arise with the use of EVs? (i.e. environmental, social, and cultural impacts of mining operations for lithium, cobalt, and other materials used in EV production, risk of fires/explosions with batteries, impacts of electricity sourced from non-hydro resources, etc.)

The RDCK is dedicated to developing and improving upon its sustainable procurement practices and aims to uphold responsible decision-making processes. We do recognize that as with many consumer products, there are issues within EV production. Although this does not address all of your concerns, please see an article here on lithium ion battery production emissions:
https://cleantechnica.com/2019/12/16/latest-report-claims-emissions-from-lithium-ion-battery-production-much-lower-than-two-years-ago/

Our fire services department are aware of the issues arising from lithium ion batteries and have in place/are continuously working on related response strategies and training. Please note that we do rely on Transport Canada and the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to ensure that all vehicles made for sale in Canada are safe to drive on our roads.

ENERGY

 18.   Can BCs electrical infrastructure support electrification of our energy systems and if not where would the excess electricity demand be sourced from?

There is no one single approach to meet growing demands for electricity and energy in in BC. Rather, the Provincial Government relies heavily upon both BC Hydro and Fortis BC to strategize around this issue.

BC Hydro’s 2021 Integrated Resource Plan includes a lot of information on the expected increases to electrical demand, current capacity to support those increases, and plans on how to fill in the gaps.
https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/corporate/regulatory-planning-documents/integrated-resource-plans/current-plan/integrated-resource-plan-2021.pdf\

Fortis BC plans to use a more diverse range of fuels to meet the growing demand. While electricity will play a large role, they also plan on increasing production of RNG (renewable natural gas), and potentially hydrogen. Some details on these plans can be found from the following report:
https://www.cdn.fortisbc.com/libraries/docs/default-source/about-us-documents/guidehouse-report.pdf?sfvrsn=dbb70958_0

The BC Provincial Energy Profile below describes energy demand and production in BC from 2019 data.
https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-british-columbia.html

More information on the Province`s plans to achieve carbon reductions can be found in the Clean BC plan:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/climate-change/action/cleanbc/cleanbc_roadmap_2030.pdf

 19.   How is the RDCK providing support for hydropower, wind power, and geothermal power?

While the RDCK has no jurisdiction over energy production, we are working to support clean energy development efforts in the region in a number of ways. In 2020, the RDCK supported the development of a research study and review of regional opportunities for bioenergy (including large-scale heat-pump applications). The report can be read here:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/energy/bioenergy-investigation-in-the-rdck.html

In an effort to reduce and eliminate industry and technology biases, RDCK Climate Actions does not support specific technologies or businesses. It does however recognize the need to support sustainable choices and practices and help provide education on these examples. One example of this in action is the Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), which helps homeowners understand the advantages and disadvantages of home energy efficiency retrofits including heat source replacements/upgrades (i.e. switching from a low-efficiency gas furnace to a high efficiency gas furnace or an electric heat pump).

Information on the regional REEP program can be found here:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/energy/regional-energy-efficiency-program.html

 20.   Have you been collecting local area GHG emissions through the years so that we have baseline data? If not, how do we know what is normal and what is not?

Yes both community and corporate GHG profiles have been tracked since 2017. Information on the origins of this data collection process can be found in the Strategic Community Energy and Emissions Plan here:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/energy/strategic-community-energy-and-emissions-plan-sceep.html

The Province also collects and reports on various sources of community carbon emissions and this data can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/data/ceei

 21.   If trees become a non-renewable resource due to wildfires, do people heating homes with wood stoves end?

The only action in the RDCK Climate Actions Plan relating to the replacement of wood stoves with other fuel sources is a call to consider further supporting the Wood Stove Exchange Program in an effort to improve rural energy resiliency. This program provides rebates for homeowners to upgrade their wood stoves to a choice of more efficient wood stoves, pellet stoves, or gas furnaces. This is a voluntary program that leaves homeowners with a choice of fuel sources and is offered by the Creston Valley Municipality. More information can be found at:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/environmental-initiatives/community-wood-smoke-reduction-program.html

BUILDINGS

 22.   Are renewable earth-friendly structures such as strawbuilt; cordwood, earthships, cob builds, etc which have been proven to stand up better to fires and earthquakes and require less heating in winter and less cooling in summer going to have by-laws relaxed better support of their implementation?

While regulations regarding the construction and building industry are controlled by the Provincial Government, the RDCK is interested in ways to advocate for local low-carbon building methods and is open to public engagement on this topic.

 23.   Will the CAP require homeowners to conduct expensive renovations?

No, RDCK Climate Action is not a regulatory plan, but rather it is a guidance plan, and the RDCK is attempting to support homeowners with benefits and incentives to promote home-efficiency improvements, making sustainable choices and systems more available to the public. These incentives are delivered and accessible through the REEP (Regional Energy Efficiency Program), and participation is completely voluntary.

24.   Since current systems waste a lot of potable water (i.e. to flush toilets) can we push to include grey-water applications in retrofits? (i.e. using grey water to flush toilets)

A Retrofit Code is currently being developed being drafted by the Provincial Government, and while the RDCK can provide some level of feedback on the development process, we strongly encourage the public to advocate for the inclusion of issues like this.

25.   Is the RDCK mandating anyone to retrofit their home?

No, there are no plans nor mentions of mandated retrofits to any homes in the RDCK in the Climate Actions Plan. Information on the Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), which supports homeowners with retrofits and related rebate programs can be found here:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/energy/regional-energy-efficiency-program.html

AGRICULTURE

 

26.   Who is footing the bill if large farms have to electrify equipment and vehicles?

The RDCK Climate Actions Plan is not a regulatory document and does not mandate anyone, including large farms, to switch vehicles or machinery over to electric technology.

 27.   Will the CAP create regulatory bylaws that will negatively impact local farmers?

No, RDCK Climate Actions is not a regulatory document, and does not introduce any new bylaws that will impact local agriculture. Rather, it is a guidance plan and aims to provide support for local farmers to help them adapt to changes in the climate, and connect them with funding and other resources to improve the sustainability of their operations.

28.   In the Climate Action Plan it states “look for local government leaders in climate resilient rural development” – wouldn’t a farmer know better how to do this?

The RDCK is eager to collaborate with the public including local farmers to work together to find regionally relevant and effective solutions to the climate crisis. If you are such a person – please connect with us: climateaction@rdck.bc.ca

29.   How are municipal by-laws changing to support farmers and backyard chicken housing?

The RDCK is not a municipal government, it is a regional government. The RDCK Climate Action Plan does advocate for other municipalities in the region to use Rossland as a case study for backyard chicken housing. Ultimately, the decision will rest with municipal Councils (Nelson, Creston, Kaslo, Slocan Village, New Denver, Silverton, Nakusp and Salmo_ to make the decision about what is best for residents.

With regards to RDCK land parcels, it depends on the zoning. If the parcel is subject to a zoning bylaw, then the opportunity to keep livestock on the property appears as a listed accessory use in the appropriate district with the maximum number established by Animal Unit Calculator found in General Regulations for that bylaw. If concerned please contact the building department (buildingdepartment@rdck.bc.ca) to ask about your specific address.

 30.   If agriculture was to be more environmentally friendly, why is there not one word mentioned on permaculture practices?

The RDCK Climate Actions Plan includes a whole pathway on local agriculture and the how RDCK plans to support local farmers in adapting to climate change and improving their farming practices and systems.

 31.   Considering that we are talking about healthy lifestyles, why would we introduce GMO “climate adapted agricultural crops to a clean area of many organic producers”?

This is a great point and the RDCK will make sure to adjust the language used in the plan to reflect that this action was not intended to support GMO products over organic practices, but rather to support climate-adapted practices on local farms to improve climate resiliency of the local agriculture industry.

 32.   Why would cannabis tourism be mentioned and not dairy, poultry, and permaculture agri-tours?

These are excellent suggestions, they were not purposefully excluded and the RDCK would be eager to explore these options throughout the implementation of the Climate Actions Plan.

 33.   Can there not be a moratorium on intensive commercial orchards (like cherries), and, instead use that land to grow produce to feed the body and not candy to send overseas?

The RDCK does not have regulatory power over the agricultural industry or crop choice of local farmers.

 34.   If we were really worried about food security why aren’t entities like the Milk Board being disassembled for making farmers dump their milk.; or how about abolishing corporate/government entities giving incentives to farmers to destroy livestock and crops?

The RDCK has no control over the BC Milk Marketing Board or the BC Dairy Association, and does not provide any such incentives to local farmers or the agriculture industry.

WATER SUPPLY

 35.   Why is clear-cut logging not outlawed near watersheds?

While the RDCK has no direct control over logging activities either on private lands or public provincial land tenures. We are involved in efforts to protect local drinking water watersheds through the Watershed Governance Initiative. Information on these efforts and how to get involved can be found on the RDCK website at:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/water.html

RESOURCE RECOVERY

 

 36.   The current garbage/landfill/waste management system is extremely wasteful and garbage/organic collection system can attract wildlife. What efforts is the RDCK taking to counteract these issues?

The RDCK aims to both empower residents to manage their own organic wastes responsibly as well as to reduce their total waste. Information on these efforts can be found in the RDCK Climate Actions Plan as well as in the RDCK Resource Recovery Plan here:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/waste-recycling/resource_recovery_plan.html

 37.   How does the RDCK plan to enhance carbon sinks in the soil and forests?

RDCK Climate Actions is exploring this topic on a number of fronts. Currently the RDCK is supporting the Community Ambassadors program hosted by Wildsight. Two of the four 2023 Community Ambassadors are considering soil stewardship and looking at best practices in the local farming industry as well as with backyard composting. You can learn about the Community Ambassadors program here:
Unveiling Sustainability: Our Training as Wildsight’s Community Ambassadors – Wildsight: https://wildsight.ca/2023/06/14/unveiling-sustainability-our-training-as-wildsights-community-ambassadors/

Best practices for wildfire mitigation projects in regards to carbon sequestration are also currently being explored by the regional FireSMART program. One such known technique being investigated is hugelkultur as is a well-known practice in the field of permaculture. Links to three reports on hugelkultur as a fuel reduction management technique by FPInnovations can be found here:
https://web.fpinnovations.ca/hugelkultur-as-a-debris-management-technique-in-forest-fuel-reduction-treatments/

The RDCK’s Resource Recovery team has been working hard on the implementation of organic diversion measures in recent years. These efforts not only reduce methane emissions from landfills, but also result in the production of high quality compost. Information on regional organics diversion and the benefits of composting can be found at:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/waste-recycling/organics-diversion.html

LAND USE & PLANNING

 

38.   Will adoption of the RDCK Climate Actions Plan automatically change bylaws?

No. The Climate Actions Plan is a guidance document, not a regulatory one – meaning the actions proposed in the Plan are intended to support local solutions built in RDCK communities. Adoption of RDCK Climate Actions by the RDCK Board will not automatically change bylaws. We are not regulating with this Plan, we are taking action to investigate possible solutions and actions for rural communities. Yes, there are aspects in the plan that could be applied through the community planning process but not outside of it. If a community opts to actually use these suggested bylaws, then the standard, regulated process under the Local Government Act would require engagement and a public hearing. What is adopted in the future will depend on each community.

Provincial legislation, including the Local Government Act and the Community Charter, outlines the general requirement and process for local governments to adopt and amend or repeal bylaws – more information can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governance-powers/bylaws/bylaw-adoption-process

 39.   How are bylaws established?

Establishing a bylaw in BC involves a structured process governed by legal requirements. The first step is to identify the need for a bylaw and determine its scope and purpose. Extensive research and consultation with stakeholders are crucial in drafting the bylaw. Once the draft is prepared, it goes through a series of readings and approvals by the RDCK Board. Public consultation is an essential part of this process, providing an opportunity for community input and feedback. Following the readings and consultations, the bylaw undergoes a final adoption stage, typically involving a public hearing. If approved, the bylaw is then implemented and enforced by the designated authorities within the jurisdiction. Ongoing review and amendment of the bylaw may occur to ensure its effectiveness and relevance over time.

 40.   What is meant by the concept of Compact Communities and what does it look like in the context of the RDCK?

The RDCK is seeking solutions that match the rural context of our region – that means working with you to understand what works or not.

Compact communities or complete communities is a planning concept (not an enforcement tool) that the Province of BC is exploring (no regulation or defined programing) as a way to increase servicing in under-serviced areas. It is included as an idea in RDCK Climate Actions that could be explored in Land Use and Planning by the RDCK Planners. This is not surveillance or monitoring of movement, this is specifically about increasing accessibility to essential services such as stable power, reliable internet, planning to reduce hazards like flooding and fires and access to parks and natural spaces.

 41.   As this will be drastically altering the Official Community Plans (OCP) and bylaws, why is there not a referendum on the Climate Action Plan?

This is a guidance plan, not a regulatory one, adoption of RDCK Climate Actions by the RDCK Board will not automatically change bylaws. We are not regulating with this Plan, we are taking action to investigate possible solutions and actions for rural communities. Yes, there are aspects in the plan that could be applied through the community planning process but not outside of it. If a community opts to actually use these suggested bylaws, then the standard, regulated process under the Local Government Act would require engagement and a public hearing. What is adopted in the future will depend on each community.

More information on referendums (ascent voting) (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governance-powers/consent-approval-electors/approval-of-the-electors/assent-voting-referendum):

When to Use Assent Voting

Assent voting is an option any time a matter requires assent of the electors, approval of the electors, or participating area approval. Where the legislation specifies that 'assent of the electors' must be obtained, assent voting is the only method of approval that can be used.

In general, decisions that have the potential to fundamentally change the structure and governance of an area must proceed directly to assent voting to gain elector approval. Legislation requires that the following initiatives all obtain 'assent of the electors' to proceed:

  • Amalgamation or creation (incorporation) of municipalities
  • Disposal of a local government water or sewage system
  • Fluoridation of a local government water system
  • Creation of a local community commission in an electoral area
  • Municipal boundary reduction
  • Establishment of a municipal forest reserve
  • Reduction of the size of municipal council
  • Specified regional district permissive tax exemptions of two to 10 years

More information on Community Planning and the OCP and Zoning amendment process can be found on the RDCK website at:
Community Planning | Regional District of Central Kootenay (rdck.ca)
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/land-use-planning/ocp-zoning-amendments.html

Information on the regulated bylaw adoption process can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governance-powers/bylaws/bylaw-adoption-process

 42.   How can I back a plan that has stated “more control and influence in rural development of zoned areas when I don’t know what this means?

The RDCK follows a well-defined process when amending land-use policy through OCP and zoning amendments. Details on this process and how public is encouraged to be involved can be found on the RDCK website at:
https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/land-use-planning/ocp-zoning-amendments.html

 43.   From page 33 of the Climate Action Plan “establish acceptable risk tolerance threshold for all areas in the RDCK”; and “develop criteria for qualified professionals to determine what is ‘safe’ when developing hazard areas” - who are these professionals and what does this mean?

Page 33 “establish acceptable risk tolerance threshold for all areas in the RDCK”; “Develop criteria for qualified professionals to determine what is “safe” when developing hazard areas” Who are these people and what does this mean. It also says secure grant funding 2023 – why?

Engineers and geoscientists are the qualified professionals.  “Safe for the Use intended” is part of the Engineers and Geoscientist guidelines that they are required to meet when advising their clients on if the siting of a structure such as a house can be safely located on the property and where. The assessment examines drainage, slope stability or any type of geo-hazard. Local governments as a part of the development process and before issuing a building permit require a geotechnical assessment in some areas of the RDCK. The qualified professionals are also requesting clarity from local governments to identify the risk tolerance threshold to guide their assessments of “safe for the use intended”. This is a policy that would reduce liability for the RDCK (and taxpayer) and protect the homeowners investment. In order to achieve this work the RDCK applied for and received funding to engage consultants to help facilitate the development of a risk tolerance policy. That work is projected to start later this year or early next year.

 44.   How is the RDCK ensuring that climate action efforts will not have unintended impacts and consequences on residents?

The RDCK Climate Actions Plan is a dynamic document that is focused on supporting a local process that is engaged in discussion and efforts to reduce the impact of more frequent and extreme weather events. The focus is not on enacting large-scale initiatives and projects, but rather, piloting and developing solutions slowly and organically with the involvement of local stakeholders including the public. In this way, we will be able to respond to feedback and continually update and change the solutions to work together towards more sustainable regional systems and lifestyles.

WILDFIRES, FLOODS, AND GEOHAZARDS

 

 45.   Why aren’t dikes known to be disintegrating fortified? That would help stave off flooding.

Dike infrastructure requires engineering to undertake repairs. The repairs for this infrastructure have significant capital costs that are far too expensive to put on the RDCK taxpayer. At this time there has been no Board approval to upgrade the dikes. The Board continues to advocate for funding support from federal and provincial government to support this process.  

 46.   Why don’t we fund more efforts to stop wildfires as they start instead of losing thousands of hectares of treed forest which help to buffer rainfall events?

The BC Wildfire Service is tasked with managing wildfires through a combination of wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression strategies, on both Crown and private lands outside of organised areas such as municipalities or regional districts. Consequently, the RDCK has no level of control over Provincial wildfire fighting efforts, strategies, or tactics. Residents can be proactive through the FireSmart program to create individual and community level resilience – find out more here: https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/wildfires/wildfire-risk-reduction.html

The content on this page was last updated September 14 2023 at 9:31 AM