Regional Water and Wastewater Sustainability Framework
The Board directed staff to develop a Regional Water and Wastewater Sustainability Framework to provide a clear, transparent process for evaluating when and how the RDCK may support independent non-RDCK water and wastewater systems through administrative, technical, or financial assistance, including potential Community Works Fund investments. The framework would identify an RDCK role in helping systems address growing challenges such as aging infrastructure, limited capacity, and increasing regulatory requirements, while recognizing that continued local ownership and operation is preferred by many systems. By establishing governance principles, eligibility criteria, and project evaluation tools, the framework would help ensure the RDCK’s support decisions are consistent and aligned with Board priorities while helping sustainable independent systems remain viable under local ownership.
Compost Sales Plan for 2026
The Board directed staff to implement the RDCK’s 2026 Compost Sales Plan, building on the success of the 2025 pilot program. Screened Class A compost, which means the material is appropriate for use in agricultural and home gardens for food and landscaping purposes, will be available for purchase at the Central Transfer Station (Salmo), Creston Landfill, and Ootischenia Landfill. The program is designed to provide residents, farmers, and community partners with an affordable, high-quality soil amendment. Approximately 1,800 m³ of compost is expected to be available for sale in 2026. For more information and when the compost will go on sale, visit www.rdck.ca/organics.
Hydraulic Connectivity in Goat River Watershed
Water scarcity is a priority concern in the Goat River Watershed. Water allocation notations, which flag potential water availability concerns and factor into decisions on new water licence applications, are already in place on several streams and two shallow aquifers. A deeper bedrock aquifer, and how it connects to that surface water, remains poorly understood. To address this gap, the Board approved a consulting agreement with Western Water Associates Ltd., valued at $79,851, to complete a preliminary assessment of hydraulic connectivity in the Goat River Watershed between August 2026 and March 2028.
The study will explore how groundwater and streams interact in the watershed and map the connection between the bedrock aquifer and surface water, using a 3D model of underground water layers and water sample testing to trace how water moves through the watershed. This will provide important scientific data to support long-term water management in an area where water shortages are a growing concern. The study forms part of the RDCK’s broader Goat River Watershed planning initiative and will help inform future watershed planning and decision-making.
For more information: https://engage.rdck.ca/projects/goatwatershed/
Goat Canyon Park Development
The Board has approved $1,000,000 in Community Works funding for the Goat Canyon Park project in Electoral Area B. This is the first of many steps toward establishing a public park on the recently acquired 4.4-acre property, which is publicly owned but not yet open for public access.
The RDCK has been in contact with Yaqan Nuʔkiy throughout the acquisition process and will continue this engagement as planning and park development move forward. This funding will support the technical assessments and planning work needed to identify priorities, determine a phased approach, and establish timelines, creating a roadmap for how park development will unfold. This is a multi-year process, and as assessment work advances, the timing and scope of next steps will become clearer. The RDCK will share opportunities for public engagement with residents as they are identified.
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 August reports in the Board minutes.