RDCK Board Highlights - January 2023

Moment of silence

The Board had a moment of silence in memory of Nelson Police Detective Wade Tittemore who tragically passed away in an avalanche on January 9. Since the Board meeting, Nelson Police Constable Mathieu Nolet also passed away due to his injuries suffered in the incident. The RDCK Board offers their condolences to the family and colleagues of both officers.

BC Rural Health Network

Executive Director Paul Adams and Colin Moss, former RDCK Board Director and current Vice-President of the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN) Board appeared as a delegation on behalf of the BCRHN to request the RDCK’s membership in the network. The objective of the BCRHN is to advocate for rural healthcare equity and address the unique healthcare system challenges facing rural communities. Over the years, there has been a reduction in healthcare services in rural BC and BCRHN is focused on providing community based solutions for what is needed. The RDCK Board will discuss membership in the network at the February 2023 Board meeting.

Castlegar & District Community Complex arena floor replacement

The Board direct staff to prepare an Invitation to Tender for the Castlegar & District Community Complex area floor replacement project. Staff will undertake the procurement and award the contract with the lowest valid bidder which meets all required scope. The arena floor was originally installed in 1976 and has outlived its intended life of 35-40 years. The construction process is expected to take approximately six months.

Nelson and District Community Facilities, Recreation and Leisure Services Bylaw

The Board adopted the Nelson and District Community Facilities, Recreation and Leisure Services Establishment Amendment Bylaw. This is the service bylaw for all recreation programing covering the City of Nelson, Electoral Area F and defined portions of Electoral Area E, including all facilities, parks and trails. A service review was first initiated in 2019 to address concerns related to the scope of the operations of the service. The amended bylaw prioritizes lifecycle budgeting for all RDCK facilities to ensure an asset management approach to planning for repairs, refurbishment and redevelopment. As well, the bylaw sets a process for expanding the complex or adding new recreation services.  

Resident Directed Grant Program

Formerly known as the Community Initiatives and Affected Areas program (CIP/AAP), the Resident Directed (ReDi) grant program launched January 9, 2023 in the RDCK and applications are now being accepted until February 17, 2023. The program is funded by Columbia Basin Trust and delivered in partnership with the RDCK to support local projects that benefit public good and provide additional value to Basin communities. The granting allocation for the RDCK in 2023 is $1,515,940.

A core component of the ReDi program is each community directs the allocation of their assigned funds. RDCK Board members will select a date for a public meeting and appoint members to a local selection committee who will consider all funding applications and make recommendations to the RDCK Board for grant awards. Staff have been directed to review options for the required community engagement meetings to be held throughout the RDCK in the spring of 2023.  

Local Conservation Fund Service Establishment in Electoral Area F

Voter approval for Electoral Area F to join the Local Conservation Fund Service will be undertaken by means of Alternative Approval Process (AAP) instead of assent vote. The AAP for Electoral Area F is expected to take place sometime in 2023, and will include public engagement about the Local Conservation Fund service. The AAP process enables local governments to directly engage citizens about a proposed bylaw. If more than 10% of the eligible electors sign and submit response forms, the RDCK may not proceed with the matter proposed in the bylaw.  

Regional Invasive Species Strategy

The Board directs staff to negotiate an agreement with the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society for development and coordination of the Regional Government Invasive Species Working Group. The goal of this group is to reduce the economic and environmental risks of invasive species in the RDCK. It will include annual training and resources for staff, developing region wide education materials, and providing expertise and consultation on the development of the program. As well, the RDCK will initiate the Good Neighbour pilot program which will support the agricultural community, specifically the adjacency concerns with regards to Ministry of Transportation right of way and abandoned private fields.

Directors Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports explaining what they have been working on. Click here to read the January reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.5, pg. 152).

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The content on this page was last updated January 25 2023 at 10:50 AM