Board Meeting - October 2022 Highlights
October 17, 2022
Recognition of Service -
Thursday marked the final Board meeting of the 2018-2022 term. Five Board members were recognized for their contributions and service to the RDCK as they are not seeking re-election in this year’s General Local Election.
Pictured left to right: Jen Comer (Town of Creston) 2020-2022, Joseph Hughes (Village of Nakusp) 2018-2022, Paul Peterson (Electoral Area K) 2002-2022, Rick Smith (Electoral Area J) 2014-2022 & Ramona Faust (Electoral Area E) 2008-2022
Krestova private land purchase
The removal of conditions for the acquisition of 134 acres of private land in Krestova for regional park purposes has been extended to March 30, 2023. In August, the RDCK entered into an agreement to purchase two parcels of private land in Electoral Area H for $870,000. The original deadline to meet the conditions of the purchase was October 5, 2022.
Funding for the purchase will come from an Area H Community Development Grant ($250,000), a private donation ($145,000) and through a fundraising campaign ($475,000). The Krestova Park Fundraising Committee successfully raised the $475,000 in just over a month’s time thanks to overwhelming support from the local community.
The RDCK will continue to work with the sellers and go through the purchasing process which requires the RDCK to have all funds in place to close the purchase on March 30, 2023.
Agriculture Policy Review – Electoral Areas A, B & C
The Board adopted land use amendments pertaining to agriculture to the Comprehensive Land Use Bylaws for Electoral Areas A, B and C. With input from farmers, technical advisors and the public, the goal of these amendments is to support farming, protect farmland and enable local food supply in the Regional District. These changes will also help to reduce property speculation, Amendments include only enabling farmworker dwelling units and temporary farmworker housing and restricting occupancy of accessory dwelling units to farm workers only. The new amended bylaws will offer better clarity as they align with existing agricultural land commission regulations.
UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund
The Board direct Fire Services staff to apply to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund intake for Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments. Each fire hall can receive $30,000 in grant funds for a total of $480,000 across 16 departments (Balfour Harrop, Beasley, Blewett, Crescent Valley, Kaslo, North Shore, Ootischenia, Pass Creek, Passmore, Riondel, Slocan, Tarrys, Winlaw, Yahk Kingsgate, Ymir). If successful the grant funding will be allocated for the hiring of training positions, contract training and the construction of training props.
Wildfire Development Permit Area Project – Engagement Summary
The Board received the engagement summary report for the Wildfire Development Permit Area Project from Urban Systems Ltd. Engagement included virtual workshops (2), advisory planning and heritage commission interviews (4) and a community survey (159 participants). The purpose of the project is to gain a better understanding of the level of support for the implementation of a Wildfire Development Permit Area. Click here to read the full report (pg. 194).
The RDCK’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan recommended the creation and implementation of a Wildfire Development Permit Area for the RDCK’s Electoral Areas in order to increase wildfire resilience in its communities.
Director’s Reports
RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the October reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 3.4, pg.76).
Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.
The content on this page was last updated October 19 2022 at 7:14 AM