RDCK Board Highlights - March 2023

RDCK Adopts Five-Year Financial Plan

The Board adopted its 2023 – 2027 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget was focused on asset management, an increase in fire protection service costs, a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, as well as a significant repair to the Castlegar & District Community Complex arena floor. Residents are encouraged to review the financial plan and reach out to staff or Directors with questions.

The RDCK hosted nine hybrid public meetings (in-person and online) and one online public 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. See below for this year’s budget presentations.

Kaslo & Area D
Nelson, Areas E & F
Castlegar, Areas I & J
Salmo & Area G
East Shore – Area A North
Creston, Areas A, B & C
Nakusp & Area K
New Denver, Silverton, Slocan & Area H

Charge Up Grant

The RDCK was successful in its grant application for the Columbia Basin Trust Charge Up Grant. The funding provides $142,500 to cover 75% of the cost for three initiatives; the supply and installation of a solar array system for the Creston & District Community Complex, purchase of an electric vehicle (EV) for the RDCK fleet, and the supply and installation of an EV charger for the RDCK Lakeside office in Nelson. The remaining balance of funding for these projects will be covered by the recreation facility, the general administration service and Local Government Climate Action Program grant funds.

Regional invasive species strategy

The Board direct staff to enter into a contribution agreement with Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) for the development and coordination of the regional government invasive species working group. The program will cost $15,000 and provides annual training and resources for operational staff (CKISS), develop region-wide educational materials and provide expertise and consultation. Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that become well established because they do not have any natural predators or controls. By taking action now, the goal of the program is to help mitigate economic, ecosystem and operational costs in the future. For more information go to https://ckiss.ca/.

Dog control bylaw for Electoral Areas A, B and C

The Board authorize staff to prepare a service establishment bylaw for dog control of dangerous dogs within Electoral Areas A, B and C. The intent of the service would be to enable the RDCK to respond to dangerous dogs where there is a public safety issue. The RDCK does not intend to regulate barking or wandering dogs through this service. As part of the process a terms of reference will be developed to describe how this service will be delivered.

Riondel Community Centre roof modifications

The Board awarded the contract for the Riondel Community Centre roof replacement to Heritage Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd. The project is estimated to start in early May with completion by June 30. The community centre is an important hub within Riondel and is used for a multitude of activities.

Mosquito control program

The Board approved the RDCK enter into a five-year services agreement with Morrow Bio Science Ltd. to provide the mosquito control program service in a portion of Electoral Area D and the Pineridge community. Since 2001 the RDCK has coordinated a mosquito control program in this area with a focus on targeting floodwater mosquitoes. For more information on the program go to www.rdck.ca/mcp.

Directors Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the March reports in the Board minutes (agenda item 4.4, pg. 220).

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The content on this page was last updated March 30 2023 at 5:00 AM