RDCK Board Highlights - December 2023

Fire Protection Service Loan Authorization Bylaws

Following voter assent in three separate referendums for fire protection service loan authorizations, the Board has adopted bylaws in the North Shore Fire Protection Service, Slocan Valley Fire Protection Service, and Tarrys and Pass Creek Fire Protection Service to authorize borrowing up to $750,000 for the purchase of a frontline fire engine. Requirements for each fire department within the RDCK include having a fire engine and water tender less than 25 years old and meeting specific National Fire Protection Association, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, and Fire Underwriters requirements. The fire engine for the North Shore Fire Department needs to be replaced in 2024, while the fire engines for the Tarrys Fire Department and Winlaw Fire Department need to be replaced in 2025.

Recreation Facilities Public Engagement Projects

With the approval of the Board, RC Strategies will lead the community engagement for a pair of public engagement projects. These projects include Reimagining Recreation at the Castlegar & District Community Complex and a needs assessment for the Nelson Recreation Campus (Nelson & District Community Complex, Civic Centre, and Nelson Curling Club).

The goal of the reimagination project is to find a clear understanding of what services and to what the level the community of Castlegar and Electoral Areas I and J want to see and are willing to financially support. As for the recreation interest of Nelson and Electoral Areas E and F, the objective of the needs assessment is to help identify a long term plan to service the recreation interests of the area recognizing the infrastructure is nearing end of life.

Tipping fees increased at all RDCK landfills and transfer stations

The Board has adopted an amendment to the Resource Recovery Facilities Regulatory Bylaw to increase the tipping fees by 10% in 2024. The price change is driven by significant increases to operating costs in recent years including fuel, labour, insurance, supplies, more stringent regulatory requirements, and increased borrowing repayment costs. The increase will also help build reserves required for major capital projects planned over the next 10 years.

RDCK Strategic Plan 2023-2026

The Board adopted the 2023-2026 Regional District of Central Kootenay Strategic Plan. The plan outlines the vision, mission and values of the organization, while providing a framework and process for how the strategic priorities will be achieved. Click here to read the strategic plan.

Leah Main appointed to the RDCK Board of Directors

Councillor Leah Main has been appointed to the RDCK Board of Directors as the representative of the Village of Silverton. Main replaces Mayor Colin Ferguson. Councillor Clarence Denbok has been appointed as the Alternate Board Director.

Long term service awards

The Board recognized and thanked 17 employees for their long term service to the RDCK.

• Janet Matheson - 35 years
• Joseph Richichi - 35 years
• Kim Hayashi - 35 years
• Rachel Zdebiak  - 15 years
• Dave Rowe - 15 years
• Thomas Lavis - 15 years
• Heather Zavagno - 15 years
• Evan Bjarnson - 15 years
• Stuart Horn - 10 years
• Christine Hopkyns - 5 years
• Shiree Worden - 5 years
• Erik Chmara - 5 years
• Suzanne Nedham-McBriar - 5 years
• AJ Evenson - 5 years
• Alayne Hamilton - 5 years
• Todd Johnston - 5 years
• Paris Marshall Smith - 5 years

2024 appointments for external committees

The Board appointed RDCK Directors to external committees for varying terms. These appointees represent regional interests on external bodies that deal with specific matters and issues relevant to local stakeholders. These committees include:

• Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors – Director Suzan Hewat
• Highway No.3 Mayors and Chairs Coalition – Director Kelly Vandenberghe
• Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia – Director Keith Page
• Selkirk College Regional Innovation Chair for Rural Economic Development – Director Aidan McLaren-Caux
• Southeastern BC Regional Connectivity Committee – Directors Garry Jackman & Walter Popoff
• Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee – Director Arnold DeBoon
• West Kootenay Transit Committee – Directors Maria McFaddin, Diana Lockwood & Walter Popoff