Board Meeting - March 2022 Highlights

RDCK Adopts Five-Year Financial Plan

The RDCK Board adopted its 2022 – 2026 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget was focused on dealing with the continued impact COVID has had on the RDCK, in particular in recreation which has seen reduced user fee revenue over the past two years. Core services such as fire services, recreation and resource recovery have tax increases in 2022 with the RDCK in general seeing a 6.55% increase in taxation. Click here to view the financial plan (agenda item 8.6, pg. 262)

The RDCK hosted eight virtual public meetings and one in-person meeting through February and March which allowed the public in our various sub regions to comment and provide feedback on the five year Financial Plan.

City of Castlegar Economic Development Service Establishment

The RDCK Board has established the City of Castlegar Economic Development Service to address regional economic opportunities and challenges. The goal is to promote sustainable, diversified economic growth, work with and for all economic sectors, while supporting existing businesses, promoting alliances between businesses and encouraging new opportunities. With the support of local government and the community, local businesses can thrive and grow in the City of Castlegar.

Cottonwood Lake land transfer

The RDCK is proceeding with the next step of transferring 49 hectares of land near Cottonwood Lake to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The land was acquired by the RDCK in 2021 as a result of fundraising efforts by the Cottonwood Lake Preservation Society (CLPS). The RDCK, CLPS and NCC developed a memorandum of understanding to work in collaboration to protect the natural habitats and ecological features occurring on the land. These next steps include publishing the intent to transfer the land in a local newspaper, paying all related expenses and the stewardship endowment, finalizing the closing dates and signing of the land donation agreement.

Cottonwood Lake Accessibility Project

The RDCK Board approved entering into a partnership agreement with the Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association (KASA) for the completion of the Cottonwood Lake Accessibility Project. The project will upgrade the park so it is accessible to all segments of the population. Work to be done includes ensuring accessibility to the following areas: parking, washroom facilities, wildlife nature viewing, fishing platforms, trails, footbridge and wharf.

The cost of the project will be $425,000. The Nelson, Salmo, Areas E, F, and G Regional Parks Service will cover up to $225,000 while KASA will contribute $200,000.

Public Library Contribution Services

The RDCK Board directed staff to take the next steps in expanding funding for library services in the region. An establishing bylaw for an Electoral Area E Library Contribution Service to provide funding to the Nelson Public Library will be prepared for Board consideration. Additionally staff will prepare a bylaw to expand the Salmo and Area G Library Financial Aid Service to include the entirety of Electoral Area G. This service currently funds library services within the Village Salmo. The objective of these contribution services is to create sustainable funding from rural areas for local library services located in municipalities and accessed by rural residents.  The adoption of both bylaws would be subject to public consultation processes and elector approval by means of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

Major upgrade for outdoor pool in Salmo

The outdoor pool at the Salmo Valley Youth & Community Centre will be undergoing a major upgrade. The RDCK Board approved entering a contribution agreement with Columbia Basin Trust for a $150,000 grant to replace pool heaters, the mechanical room and sanitization equipment at the pool. This is part of Columbia Basin Trust’s commitment to outdoor recreation assets in the area by providing grants to help communities improve facilities that support active, healthy lifestyles.

Ootischenia Fire Hall Expansion and Improvement Project

NDB Construction Ltd. has been awarded the design and construction services by the RDCK Board for the Ootischenia Fire Hall vehicle bay expansion and improvement project. An additional 720 square feet of space will be added to house rescue apparatus and address safety issues regarding insufficient space for equipment storage. The project will also include a new main entrance and energy efficiency work. The cost of the project is limited to a maximum value of $212,429 and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2022.

RDCK to donate to Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis

The RDCK will contribute $5,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to assist Ukrainian children and its citizens impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.

Directors Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the March reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 128).

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The content on this page was last updated March 25 2022 at 8:45 AM