Resident Directed (ReDi) grant funding
The Board approved the 2026 Resident Directed (ReDi) grant funding. ReDi Grants are a program of the Columbia Basin Trust, administered by the RDCK under contract to the Trust. In 2026, a total of $1,450,465.50 in funding will be allocated to 346 different project proposals. 22 community input meetings were held across the RDCK between April 1 and April 27, providing an opportunity for each community to give feedback on the project proposals. Click here for a complete list of all the recipients of ReDi funding. The programs support local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities, and that benefit the broad community and public good.
Regional Park Enhancement Program
The Board authorized staff to submit the Year 1 project list to Columbia Basin Trust for the Regional District of Central Kootenay Regional Park Enhancement Program (2026–2028). Earlier this year, the Board approved entering into a contribution agreement with Columbia Basin Trust that will provide $1.05 million in grant funding to support improvements across the RDCK’s 27 regional parks located in Electoral Areas A, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J. The funding will support projects focused on accessibility and inclusion, hazard reduction and visitor safety, and climate adaptation measures. Program requirements include completing work in at least 60% of the regional parks within a two-year timeline.
The proposed Year 1 projects total approximately $729,000 and include trail upgrades, playground improvements, accessibility enhancements, washroom upgrades, environmental restoration work, and new park amenities across the region.
| REGIONAL PARK | PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Balfour Beach Regional Park | Trail surfacing |
| Bonnington Regional Park | Playground replacement |
| Cottonwood Lake Regional Park | Trail improvements |
| Crawford Creek Regional Park | Trail surfacing |
| Crescent Valley Beach Regional Park | Accessible pathway to shelter and stairs |
| James Johnstone Regional Park | Washroom upgrades |
| Lardeau Regional Park | Riparian restoration, pathways, and emergency communications |
| Pass Creek Regional Park | Playground upgrade and washroom improvements |
| Riondel Regional Park | Concession stand upgrades and drinking water fountain |
| Robson Boat Ramp Regional Park | Accessible dock and ramp |
| Sunshine Bay Regional Park | Drinking water fountain and trail enhancement |
| Waterloo Eddy Regional Park | Riparian restoration and trail surfacing |
| Winlaw Regional and Nature Park | Erosion prevention study |
Water Main Replacement Projects
The Board approved three major water main replacement projects for the Burton, Fauquier, and West Robson water systems as part of the RDCK’s ongoing infrastructure renewal program. The projects will replace aging asbestos cement (AC) water mains, service lines, and associated connections through a phased approach designed to improve long-term system reliability and maintain safe, clean drinking water for residents.
The replacement work aligns with the RDCK’s policy to decommission AC water infrastructure and reflects the organization’s continued focus on proactive asset management and planning for future community needs. These projects represent significant investments in critical water infrastructure to help ensure safe and dependable water service for residents in the affected communities.
Electoral Area D Community Planning
The Board directed staff to undertake the Area D Community Planning Project. The project will build on work completed in 2021 to continue conversations with residents about land use planning and determine whether communities are interested in updated planning tools, including zoning regulations. With growing development pressures, land use conflicts, water concerns, and environmental impacts emerging over the past decade, the project aims to better understand current community priorities and identify whether land use planning could help address local concerns.
The project will follow a phased, community-driven approach focused on education, engagement, and transparency. Phase 1 will reconnect with residents, gather feedback, and assess interest in zoning. If desired by communities, later phases will explore potential zoning options, technical analysis, and draft regulations before any proposed bylaws are brought forward for Board consideration and public hearing. Click here to read the project charter.
Sub Region West Official Community Plan
The Board directed staff to proceed with the RDCK Sub Region West Official Community Plan (OCP) project for Electoral Areas F, J, and K, representing the first time the RDCK is bundling multiple electoral areas into a single sub-regional OCP process. This new approach improves efficiency and consistency by standardizing land use planning across a broader area, reducing duplication of work, and creating clearer, more coordinated policy direction while still reflecting the needs and characteristics of each local area within a single plan.
The Project Charter and Engagement Framework set out the governance, engagement approach, and five-phase delivery model for the project, supported by staff, Electoral Area Directors, First Nations, and invested parties. Endorsing the framework enables a coordinated and transparent process that streamlines planning work, supports clearer requirements, and aligns priorities across the sub-region over the course of the project. Click here to read the project charter and engagement framework.
RDCK Quarterly Report
The RDCK Quarterly Report provides a condensed summary of active projects and initiatives within the RDCK. The report includes a clear and concise understanding of each project and its connection to the Board’s strategic priorities. Click here to view the latest quarterly report, including the most recently completed projects.
Click here to view the quarterly report page on the RDCK website.
Director’s Reports
RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the May reports in the Board minutes.