RDCK Board Highlights - July 2023
August 1, 2023
West Transit Services Committee Bylaw
The Board received a draft bylaw to establish a West Transit Services Committee to provide an effective form of governance over public transit. Services governed by the proposed committee would be Kootenay Lake West Transit, Slocan Valley North Shore Transit, and Castlegar and Area Transit. The intent of the governance changes would be to improve the overall functioning of transit services in the RDCK, provide a platform for engagement between ridership and transit decision makers, and streamline decision making about transit funding and service improvements. Directors will provide comments to staff by the August Board meeting and consider adopting the bylaw at the September Board meeting.
New user fees and rental fees for RDCK Community Services
The Board approved a 7% increase to all user fees and rental fees at the Castlegar & District Community Complex, Creston & District Community Complex, Nelson & District Community Complex, and Salmo & Area G Recreation effective September 5, 2023. The increase is based upon the March 2023 British Columbia cost of Living Index increase of 7% in 2022. Recreation services at the RDCK are funded through a combination of user fees and taxation, resulting in recreation being subsidized by the community for the benefit of the community. Click here (pg. 96) for the new fees and charges for admissions.
State of climate action framework
The 2022 State of Climate Action (SOCA) Report has been completed and is ready for distribution. The annual report tracks progress on regional climate action objectives and targets, evaluates and improves climate action initiatives and efforts, maintains public transparency and demonstrates climate action leadership. To read the annual report and previous years, click here.
The RDCK Climate Action public engagement process is moving forward with multiple opportunities for residents to get involved and provide feedback. It includes a public engagement platform, in-person dialogue circles, and 20 community open houses across the entire RDCK starting at the end of August. Click here for the complete schedule.
Kaslo and Electoral Area D First Responder Service
The Board authorize staff to prepare a service establishment bylaw for a Medical First Responder Service within a defined portion of Electoral Area D. The service will provide a more robust response and immediate life saving interventions on scene while awaiting additional medical resources or transport. The establishment of the bylaw will be subject to staff conducting a public consultation process and voter approval by means of Alternative Approval Process.
West Creston Fire Protection Area Service Establishment
The Board direct staff to prepare an amendment bylaw for West Creston Fire Protection Area Service Establishment Bylaw to increase the maximum amount of money that may be requisitioned annually to $393,831 or $2.5519/$1,000 of net taxable value of land. Last month the Board directed staff to prepare a loan authorization bylaw for the construction of a fire hall in West Creston, as well as the replacement of a frontline water tender and fire engine. After public consultation, voter approval will be undertaken by means of referendum.
Wildfire Development Permit Area Project Implementation
The Board direct staff to draft bylaw amendments to pursue a partial implementation of Wildfire Development Permit Areas. A Wildfire Development Permit Area would require applicable new developments within an Official Community Plan’s area to meet FireSmart principles. The Director led partial implementation will allow gradual phasing in of FireSmart requirements for new developments and potentially, a lower volume of applications, making it easier for staff to deal with the new requirements.
Director’s Reports
RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the July reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 111).
Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.
The content on this page was last updated August 1 2023 at 2:05 AM