Category: Uncategorized

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay and the Town of Creston are pleased to announce an information session for prospective RDCK Electoral Area Director candidates and Town of Creston Council candidates on Thursday, August 20, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Creston & District Community Complex (312 19th Ave. N).  

Facilitated by local government leadership expert Christina Benty, the session aims to demystify the roles and responsibilities of local government and elected officials. Participants will gain insights into leadership practices and decision-making approaches that prioritize long-term stability and collaboration, while exploring how citizens can actively contribute to community-building and local decision-making. 

A former mayor of the Town of Golden, Benty served 12 years in local government and has more than 25 years of experience serving on policy governance boards in health care, government, information technology, and community planning. She is passionate about leadership development, organizational culture, asset management, and community engagement, and believes in cultivating councils and boards that focus on governance rather than management. 

“Your elected officials are your neighbours, your friends, and your fellow citizens,” said Benty. “We want to elect people who care; however, caring alone is not enough. Effective governance requires both understanding and practiced skills. The most effective elected officials are those who understand the system, not those who blame it.” 

This dynamic and interactive session is limited to 50 participants, and pre-registration is required. 

For more information about registering for the candidate information session or running to be a municipal candidate, visit www.creston.ca. As well, be sure to check out www.rdck.ca/elections for more information on becoming an electoral area candidate or the 2026 general local election.

Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project

The Board approved advancing the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project to Stage 2 of its procurement process by inviting the three highest-ranked qualified proponents—Scott Builders Inc., Smith Bros. & Wilson (Construction) Ltd., and Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc.—to participate in the Negotiated Request for Proposals. Although the original plan anticipated two proponents and a $100,000 honorarium budget, staff believe adding a third qualified proponent will strengthen competition, reduce the risk of receiving only one or no compliant proposals, and improve the reliability of testing whether the project can be delivered within the $15 million budget. To support this approach, the Board approved increasing the potential honorarium budget to $150,000, with the additional $50,000 funded by the City of Castlegar and Electoral Area J.

The Board also approved a budget of up to $45,000 for public engagement on the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project. HCMA Architecture & Design will manage the public engagement, but only if the project advances to the referendum phase.

For more information on the proposed project: Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track – RDCK Forum.

State of Climate Action

The 2025 State of Climate Action (SOCA) report has been completed and shared with the Board for information. The annual report tracks the RDCK’s progress on climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives across 10 key pathways, including land use planning, transportation, energy, wildfire resilience, water supply, resource recovery, and organizational leadership. Key achievements in 2025 included updating the Area I Official Community Plan with stronger environmental and wildfire protections, increasing transit ridership by 36%, leveraging over $200,000 to improve rural transportation options, processing 1,683 tonnes of organic waste into compost, preventing more than 48 million litres of annual water loss through leak detection and repairs in Erickson, and completing 357 FireSmart home assessments.

Click here for more information and to read the report.

Floodplain Management Bylaw Review Project

BGC Engineering presented the findings and recommendations from the RDCK Floodplain Management Bylaw Review, which was undertaken in partnership with the RDCK and the Village of Salmo. The proposed updates are intended to modernize floodplain management regulations by incorporating the latest flood and geohazard mapping, adopting clearer and more consistent hazard terminology, and aligning regulatory language with current professional practice and provincial guidance. The recommendations also include integrating updated hazard mapping into the RDCK’s public web mapping platform and clarifying the role of qualified professionals in evaluating site-specific development proposals within hazard-prone areas. Collectively, these changes will support more informed, risk-based land-use decisions while improving regulatory consistency, transparency, and implementation.

The draft bylaw and supporting recommendations will now move to the implementation phase, including legal review, stakeholder engagement, and formal bylaw consideration by the Board.

Beyond Recycling Program

The Board approved the RDCK enter into a new two-year agreement with Wildsight to deliver the Beyond Recycling (BR) program during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, with an option to extend for an additional year, at a cost not exceeding $30,500 annually. The BR program, now entering its 17^th year in the RDCK, provides year-long, curriculum-aligned environmental education that helps students understand topics such as waste reduction, recycling, composting, climate change, water conservation, transportation, local food systems, and FireSmart practices through classroom lessons, field trips, and hands-on activities. During the 2025-26 school year, the in-class Beyond Recycling program was delivered in five schools across Castlegar, Robson, Creston, Nelson, and Winlaw, while Wildsight’s online FutureMakers program engaged an additional 13 classrooms throughout the region.

RDCK Quarterly Report

The RDCK Quarterly Report provides a condensed summary of active projects and initiatives within the RDCK. The report includes a clear and concise understanding of each project and its connection to the Board’s strategic priorities. Click here to view the latest quarterly report, including the most recently completed projects.

Click here to view the quarterly report page on the RDCK website.

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.  

Nelson, BC: Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has implemented mandatory Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures in the Woodland Heights Water System, located in the subdivision of Taghum, approximately 15 km southwest of Nelson in Electoral Area F.

These measures have been implemented due to high water consumption resulting in continuous operation of the well pump and reduced reservoir levels.

Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures include:

• Watering of lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs is ONLY permitted between 6:00am – 10:00am and 8:00pm – 10:00pm.
• Watering of gardens, trees and shrubs by watering can or hand-held hose is still permitted anytime.

The RDCK appreciates your cooperation in adhering to the above water conservation measures. Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures will remain in effect until further notice. Stricter water conservation measures may be required if demand increases significantly, hot and dry weather persists, or if the reservoir declines to critically low levels.

Click here for a complete description of Water Conservation Measures Stages 1-4. Additional information on water systems and water conservation is available on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/water.

Nelson, BC: Effective August 1, 2026, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will reduce operating hours for public and commercial traffic at the Creston Landfill (1501 Mallory Road) by one hour. The landfill will be open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

This change follows direction from the RDCK Board of Directors at its September 2025 meeting, where staff were asked to identify options for preventing or reducing tax increases. The earlier closing time of 3:00 pm will reduce landfill operating costs by approximately $29,000 per year.

Traffic data gathered in both 2024 and 2025 showed that 90% of commercial and residential customer traffic at the Creston Landfill occurs between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, while the site sees an average of just 0.5 commercial and 12 residential visits between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm per day.

Closing the facility for an additional day of the week was also considered, however, transaction data demonstrated that there was no single day of the week with consistently slower traffic, so the 3:00 pm closure was determined to have the least impact to customers.

Residents and commercial customers are asked to please plan on arriving no later than 2:45 pm Tuesday to Saturday, to allow sufficient time to weigh and unload.

Waste management is a collective responsibility. The RDCK strives to provide sufficient waste management facilities and access hours throughout the region to enable residents to successfully manage the waste they generate, while ensuring the cost of these services are reasonable.

For more information, please contact rrdept@rdck.bc.ca.

Public transit in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is entering a new era, with a newly adopted framework aimed at making services more transparent, equitable, and responsive to community needs.

For many years, transit funding across the region was based on a patchwork of historic funding formulas and legacy agreements, with no clear or consistent framework for sharing costs or measuring benefits. This made service changes – such as adding new routes – difficult to discuss, often leading to uncertainty around cost, fairness, and priorities.

Recognizing these challenges, the RDCK Board took steps in 2023 to modernize rural transit governance. The West Transit Services Committee (WTSC) was established, bringing together impacted elected officials from Castlegar, Kaslo, Nelson, New Denver, Salmo, Silverton, Slocan, Nakusp, and Electoral Areas A, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K to guide the work.

From the outset, the committee agreed that meaningful change required returning to first principles.

Building a Shared Understanding

The RDCK undertook a comprehensive review of the transit system. Through in-depth interviews with elected officials, RDCK staff, transit partners, plus extensive follow up discussions with the WTSC, the focus shifted away from maintaining historic funding formulas towards a values-based approach to funding. This work led to a clear conclusion: public transit in the RDCK is fundamentally a social service. While environmental and economic benefits remain important, the primary purpose of transit is to connect residents—especially those unable to drive—to healthcare, education, employment, and community life.

This was translated into a set of guiding principles:

• Transit connects people to essential services and community life,
• Services must be reliable and frequent enough to be usable,
• Success should be measured both quantitatively (ridership) and qualitatively (community outcomes),
• Funding must be transparent, equitable, and clearly understood,
• Those who benefit should contribute, while ensuring access for those who need it most.

These principles became the foundation for both governance and funding decisions.

Designing a New Funding Framework

Transit funding is a shared responsibility between the Province of British Columbia and the Local Governments participating in public transit services. Through BC Transit the Provincial Government funds approximately half of all transit services in the Regional District with the other half being funded by local government. While the funding framework for the Provincial Government is enshrined in the Transit Act, the Regional District has the discretion, under the Local Government Act, to develop its own approach to sharing local government transit costs.

In 2025, this principles-based approach was used to develop a new cost-sharing model for rural transit services. Bringing together 17 jurisdictions with varying service levels and needs was a significant challenge, but the process remained grounded in clarity, transparency, and equity.

The committee established clear objectives for the new model:

• Simplify and clearly document funding methods,
• Strengthen the connection between service levels and costs,
• Make cost allocation understandable to both decision-makers and the public,
• Use multiple factors to reflect the diverse benefits of transit.

A key outcome of this work was the recognition that the RDCK transit system is not one uniform service, but a network of distinct service types.

A Three-Part Service Model

The WTSC identified three main types of transit services:

• Regional Connector: The #99 Kootenay Connector forms the backbone of the system.
• Conventional Services: Routes like the #20 Slocan and #10 North Shore run frequently on fixed schedules.
• Paratransit Services: These serve rural and remote areas, offering limited but essential access to larger centers.

Because each service operates differently, their costs are shared in different ways.

• Regional Connector costs are split based on population, since it benefits both rural and urban users. This share is adjusted based on how much access each community has to the service. For example, someone in Area D/Kaslo can access about 15% of trips, while someone in Nelson can access all of them.
• Conventional Service costs are based on ridership. Since these routes run frequently and serve many passengers, costs are distributed according to how much each area uses them.
• Paratransit Service costs are shared equally among participating communities. For example, the City of Nelson pays for all HandyDART services within its boundaries.

The resulting apportionment combines each jurisdiction’s share across all three service types, giving elected officials a clear picture of what their residents fund via taxation.

From Complexity to Clarity

This funding model is based on a simple principle: you get what you pay for, and if you want more service, you contribute more. Costs reflect actual use and access, ensuring that communities see value in what they fund.

At the same time, the framework allows for existing transit hours to be reallocated where they can have the greatest impact, improving service without necessarily increasing overall costs.

By aligning funding with usage and priorities, the model supports more efficient use of resources and better decision-making, helping staff deliver services that match community needs.

Adoption and Looking Forward

In March 2026, the RDCK Board formally adopted the updated transit service bylaws, making the new cost apportionment model the official framework for rural transit services. Implementation work is now underway, with future service discussions guided by this modernized approach.

The work has also attracted attention from BC Transit and other local governments as a model for transparent, values-based transit governance. Tom Dool, who manages public transit in the RDCK, was recognized by BC Transit as a Transit SuperStar for his leadership in delivering services across a large and complex region.

Most importantly, this work demonstrates how regional collaboration can succeed. Despite differing priorities and service levels, communities across the RDCK were able to come together around a shared understanding of transit’s role.

With this foundation in place, the RDCK is well positioned to move forward—enhancing service, adapting to changing needs, and ensuring residents remain connected to essential services and opportunities.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is inviting residents and agricultural producers served by the Erickson Water System in Electoral Area B to attend a Public Information Session on the Universal Water Metering Program on Monday, July 20, 2026. The drop-in session will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a formal presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the Creston Room at the Creston and District Community Complex (312 19^th Ave. N).

The Erickson Water System Universal Water Metering Program is a fully grant-funded initiative that will install water meters on all remaining service connections throughout the system. While installation work is already underway, the information session provides an opportunity for customers to learn more about the project, understand how the new metering system will operate, and speak directly with RDCK staff.

“Water metering represents an important investment in the long-term sustainability of the Erickson Water System,” said Chris Gainham, RDCK Utility Services Manager. “We recognize that customers have questions about the project, and we encourage everyone to attend. Our goal is to provide clear information, address concerns and misconceptions where possible, explain how meters are selected and installed, and answer any other questions that public might have.”

The presentation will explain:

• Why universal water metering is being implemented,
• How water meters are selected and sized for individual services,
• What property owners can expect during installation,
• How the metering technology works, and
• Answers to frequently asked questions.

Display boards will remain available throughout the evening, allowing attendees to review information and speak one-on-one with RDCK staff before and after the presentation.

The Universal Water Metering Program is fully funded through external grant funding that is solely intended to fund metering in rural communities and supports improved water system management, leak detection, long-term infrastructure planning, and enhanced understanding of water use across the Erickson Water System.

Additional information about the project, including frequently asked questions, installation information and project updates, is available on the Erickson Universal Water Metering project webpage https://engage.rdck.ca/projects/erickson-water-system-phase-1-metering-project/. Residents who are unable to attend the information session are encouraged to visit the project page or contact RDCK Water Services.

Due to an unforeseen staffing shortage, the Kaslo Transfer Station and Recycling Centre are closed today, July 12, 2026. The site will reopen on Tuesday, July 14. Residents may use the Balfour Transfer Station, which is open tomorrow, July 13. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Nelson, BC: Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce the Boil Water Notice issuedfor users on the West Robson Water System has been rescinded.

On June 22, 2026 a Boil Water Noticewas issued as a precautionary measure due to planned construction requiring depressurization of the water main.

Construction involving the water mains has been completed, and water quality tests indicate that the water quality is good.

The RDCK appreciates West Robson water users’ cooperation and patience during this time and apologizes for the inconvenience experienced.

Nelson, BC: Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is implementing mandatory Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures for the Riondel Water System. The system is located on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake in Electoral Area A.  

The Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures have been implemented in the Riondel Water System due to high water consumption resulting in reduced reservoir levels. Excessive outdoor water use, including irrigation, is resulting in greatly increased demand. The RDCK requests that customers adhere to the permitted watering hours to allow reservoir levels to recover during overnight hours and check their irrigation systems for leaks.

Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures include:

• Watering of lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs is ONLY permitted between 6:00am – 10:00am and 8:00pm – 10:00pm.
• Watering of gardens, trees and shrubs by watering can or hand-held hose is still permitted anytime.

The RDCK appreciates your cooperation in adhering to the above water conservation measures. Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures will remain in effect until further notice. Stricter water conservation measures may be required if demand increases further, hot and dry weather persists, or if the reservoir declines to critically low levels.

Additional water conservation measures are available on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/water.

Nelson, BC: yaqan nuʔkiy (Lower Kootenay Band), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), and the Province of British Columbia have launched a tripartite working group to address growing water scarcity challenges in the Goat River Watershed. The Collective Conversations Working Group held its inaugural meeting in Creston on May 28, 2026, marking a significant step forward in water management for the yaqan nuʔkiy ʔamakʔis (Creston Valley).

For the purposes of this work, the Goat River Watershed is defined by the broader drainage area encompassing Arrow Creek, Duck Creek, a portion of the Creston Flats and reaches to the US border, including the communities of Lister and Canyon. Click here for a reference map.

The working group brings together staff representatives from yaqan nuʔkiy, the RDCK, and multiple Provincial ministries, including the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Forests, and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The group is co-chaired by the RDCK and the Province’s Watershed Stewardship and Security Branch.

“Water in the Goat River Watershed supports all beings – in communities, on farms, and within aquatic ecosystems,” said Aimee Watson, RDCK Board Chair. “By bringing everyone to the table, we work towards our collective goals to support and protect a healthy watershed.”

“Water has always been central to who we are and how we care for this land,” said Nasukin Jason Louie, yaqan nuʔkiy. “This working group is an opportunity bring yaqan nuʔkiy knowledge and values into decision about the Goat River Watershed in a way that honours our responsibilities as stewards. We look forward to working alongside our partners toward a future where the health of the water and the health of our community are understood as one.”

The Working Group is structured as a recommendation-making body. Its role is to develop joint recommendations for consideration by the respective leadership of each partner, including yaqan nuʔkiy Nasukin and Council, the RDCK Board of Directors, and relevant Provincial ministries. Decision-making authority remains with each party’s leadership.

Residents of the Goat River Watershed are encouraged to stay informed about the process through the RDCK’s public engagement platform, https://engage.rdck.ca/projects/goatwatershed. On the site residents can take the Water Sustainability Planning Survey and read the “What We Heard Engagement Report” that captures what was heard through engagement carried out in 2025 and into early 2026. Improvement districts, community members and industry stakeholders will also have the opportunity to share their perspectives at an in-person engagement session July 24 at the Riverside Wilderness Park from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Input gathered through these processes will contribute to the working group’s discussions on watershed values and the desired future state of the Goat River Watershed.

At the inaugural meeting, Collective Conversations Working Group members endorsed a draft Terms of Reference, later received by the RDCK Board at the June Board meeting and a 2026 Workplan outlining a six-month series of structured conversations. The workplan is organized around three milestones: establishing the working group and defining watershed values; describing the current state and the desired future state of the watershed; and evaluating available water management tools. The goal is to develop joint recommendations by October 2026.

“Water in the Goat River watershed supports communities, agriculture, ecosystems, and local livelihoods,” said Randene Neil, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “By bringing governments together at one table, we can build a shared understanding of the challenges facing the watershed and develop solutions that support people, the environment and future generations.”

Context and Background

The Goat River Watershed has experienced recurring seasonal low flows, with some years seeing near-zero flow conditions that stress domestic water supplies, agricultural operations, and aquatic habitat. Community engagement carried out over the past two years by RDCK and yaqan nuʔkiy, including a survey that received approximately 220 responses from Creston Valley residents, consistently identified water scarcity as a priority concern and supported a collaborative, multi-government approach to finding solutions.

The working group process will explore a wide range of available tools and will operate consistent with the principles of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The working group has committed to recognizing Indigenous science and knowledge as inherently valid and to respecting yaqan nuʔkiy cultural protocols and governance structures throughout the process.

About the Goat River Watershed Collective Conversations Working Group

The Collective Conversations Working Group is a tripartite body co-led by yaqan nuʔkiy (Lower Kootenay Band), the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and the Province of British Columbia. The working group develops joint recommendations on water management for the Goat River Watershed for consideration by each party’s leadership. The group’s mandate is expected to conclude by October 2026. Outcomes and updates will be shared publicly as the work progresses.

Nelson, BC: Effective July 22, 2026, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will reduce operating hours at the Riondel Satellite Recycling Depot to one day per week. The depot will be open Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.

This change follows direction from the RDCK Board at its February 2026 meeting, where staff were asked to reduce service levels in order to reduce cost and evaluate the depot’s long-term viability. A full review of the site will be considered as part of the 2027 budget process, with a focus on site utilization rates and overall demand.

More fulsome waste management services, including diversion services for materials that are not accepted at the Riondel facility (such as foam, flexible plastics, large appliances, propane tanks, car batteries, scrap metal, yard & garden waste, clean wood, etc.) are located at the Crawford Bay Transfer Station and Core Recycling Depot. See the table below for a summary of the updated operational hours for both facilities.

FACILITY	HOURS OF OPERATION (as of July 22, 2026)
Riondel Satellite Recycling Depot 232 Fowler Street	Wednesday 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Crawford Bay Transfer Station and Core Recycling Depot 16798 Crawford Creek Road	Summer (April 1 – September 30) Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Winter (October 1 – March 31) Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Waste management is a collective responsibility. The RDCK strives to provide sufficient waste management facilities throughout the region to enable residents to successfully manage the waste we generate, while ensuring the cost of these services are reasonable. As there already is a transfer station and core recycling depot less than 20 km away, Riondel does not meet the requirements to have its own transfer station. In 2018, the Riondel Commission established a standalone waste service, paid solely by the residents of Riondel. While the cost of the waste hauling is paid by the community, the overall cost of the service was subsidized by the recycling depot operations. The Riondel Commission has recommended that the independent waste disposal service hours will also be reduced to Wednesdays only, to align with the Recycling Depot hours.

Change always coincides with new challenges. Staff will work hard to ensure this change is implemented as smoothly as possible and address challenges as they arise. Staff are also working on an illegal dumping policy and advocacy with other jurisdictions in the area to mitigate irresponsible disposal of waste.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In the face of rising costs to manage waste (due to inflation, increasing regulatory complexity, etc.), the RDCK committed to undertaking an efficiency study of the Resource Recovery system. This has been a multi-year, district wide process directed by the current Resource Recovery Plan.

A System Efficiency Study completed by third-party consultants in 2024 identified the RDCK Resource Recovery system provides residents with a high level of service compared to similar regional districts in the study, alongside a relatively high cost per capita to pay for this level of service, and some variability in the level of service provided throughout the region.

One of the realities of having provided a higher level of service than similar regional districts over the years, is realizing cost efficiencies to mitigate further increases in taxation, will require some decrease in service levels. There is room within the RDCK system to reduce service levels and still maintain a higher than average level of service compared to the other areas assessed.

The System Efficiency Study recommended the closure of several standalone satellite recycling depots that were located less than 30 minutes drive to other RDCK facilities and receive less than 50kg/hour of recyclables (Winlaw, Kokanee, and Riondel). Even with this change, benchmarking to other regional districts in BC indicates the RDCK maintains a high level of service compared to other regional districts.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is launching a new program to help rural residents reduce organic waste and support regional climate resilience. The Rural Organic Waste Diversion and Climate Resilient Communities project, funded by Columbia Basin Trust, provides financial and practical support for residents living outside the RDCK’s larger municipalities to better manage food and organic waste at home. 

Through this initiative, eligible households can receive a rebate of up to $175 toward the purchase of approved organic waste management systems. Options include backyard composters, food waste digesters, tumbler composters, vermicomposting systems, Bokashi kits, and electric food recyclers. 

“The RDCK is committed to helping residents reduce what goes to landfill while building solutions that work in rural settings,” said Alayne Hamilton, RDCK Acting Resource Recovery Manager – Projects & Programs. “This program makes it easier for households to take action, whether they’re new to composting or looking to improve their current approach.” 

Program Highlights 

Residents in RDCK electoral areas and eligible municipalities can access: 

• $175 rebate per household toward the purchase of an eligible organic waste management system, such as a backyard composter or electric food recycler.  
• Free organic waste collection containers for residents who self-haul organic waste to RDCK disposal facilities.  
• Tipping fee vouchers that allow for free disposal of containers of food waste, along with clear guidance on accepted and prohibited materials. 

Who Is Eligible 

The program is open to residents living in RDCK electoral areas (outside municipal boundaries), as well as residents within the incorporated municipalities of Salmo, Slocan, New Denver, Silverton, Nakusp, and Kaslo. Residents of Nelson, Castlegar, and Creston are not eligible due to access to municipal organic waste diversion services. Rebates will be available from program launch through August 2027, with funding and resources distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To participate, residents must complete a short survey to confirm eligibility and receive guidance on the best organic waste management options for their needs. Supporting factsheets are available to help residents understand system costs, effort required, and considerations such as wildlife safety. 

Supporting Waste Reduction and Climate Action 

Organic waste diversion plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and extending landfill life. By supporting rural households with practical tools and funding, the RDCK aims to increase participation in waste reduction efforts and improve local self-reliance, wildlife safety, the circular economy, and environmental outcomes.  

“This project recognizes that rural residents face unique challenges,” added Hamilton. “By providing flexible options and practical support, we’re making it easier, safer, and more affordable for everyone to participate in organic waste diversion.”  
 
The Columbia Basin Trust is the sole funder of this initiative, and the RDCK gratefully acknowledges their valuable contribution to local climate resilience and regional sustainability.  

Learn More and Apply 

Residents can learn more, review eligible systems, and apply for the rebate by visiting: engage.rdck.ca/projects/ruralorganics. 

All RDCK offices, landfills, transfer stations, gated recycling depots, and recreation complexes will be CLOSED on Wednesday, July 1 in recognition of Canada Day. We will return to regular hours of operation on Thursday, July 2.

Have a great Canada Day!

2025 Statement of Financial Information Report

The Board approved the release of the 2025 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) Report. In accordance with the Financial Information Act, the RDCK must make the SOFI available to the public each year. The purpose of the reporting is to ensure the transparency and accountability of the local government financial system. Click here to view the 2025 report. 

Added funding for Castlegar and District Arena and Walking Track Project

The Board approved an additional $2,509,000 in taxation funding to be included in the Draft Financial Plan for the Castlegar and District Arena and Walking Track Project. These additional costs include obtaining a building permit, watermain and hydrant relocation, and a 10% contingency fund. By covering these additional costs through taxation, rather than reducing the $15,000,000 design-build budget, the goal is to improve the likelihood of attracting qualified proponents and receiving a compliant proposal. The proposed approach would spread taxation impacts over the first three years of the new service (subject to voter approval), resulting in an estimated annual cost of about $168 for the average residential property, which aligns with prior public engagement feedback.

Click here for the latest information on the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track

Electoral Areas A, B, and C Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment

The Board adopted Electoral Areas A, B, and C Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3067, 2026. Elector approval for the new bylaw was obtained through the Alternative Approval Process (AAP). A total of 175 qualified electoral response forms were received, well below the 787 (representing 10% of eligible electors) opposition threshold that would stop the Board from proceeding with bylaw adoption. Taxation for the new service will start in January 2027, with the service beginning in 2027 after the regulatory bylaw is adopted later in 2026.

Click here for the official results.

Goat River Watershed Water Sustainability Project

The RDCK Board received for information the draft Terms of Reference and 2026 Workplan for the Goat River Watershed Collective Conversations Working Group and formally acknowledged it as a tripartite, recommendation making body involving yaqan nuʔkiy, the RDCK, and the Province of British Columbia. Established in response to ongoing water scarcity challenges in the Goat River Watershed, the working group provides a structured, collaborative approach to developing water management solutions that balance domestic, agricultural, and ecological needs. The group will assess watershed conditions, define shared values, and evaluate tools under the Water Sustainability Act, while incorporating input from elected officials and the public.

The Board also received the “What We Heard” findings from initial community engagement for the Goat River Watershed Water Sustainability Project. The findings showed widespread concern about declining water availability, seasonal shortages, and impacts on wells, ecosystems, and agriculture. Key themes include infrastructure gaps, land use impacts, governance concerns, and the need for better communication, alongside a shared interest in practical solutions and long-term stewardship. The findings will be used to guide the next phase of planning, with further updates expected later in 2026.

For more information on the project and to provide your feedback click here.

Marblehead Transfer Station – Retaining Wall Repair

The Board awarded the Marblehead Transfer Station retaining wall replacement project to Brenton Industries Ltd. for $172,509. The retaining wall originally collapsed in December 2025, creating safety risks and reducing site capacity and efficiency. The replacement is essential for the site to return to normal operations. The project is expected to be completed by early September.

RDCK Quarterly Report

The RDCK Quarterly Report provides a condensed summary of active projects and initiatives within the RDCK. The report includes a clear and concise understanding of each project and its connection to the Board’s strategic priorities. Click here to view the latest quarterly report, including the most recently completed projects.

Click here to view the quarterly report page on the RDCK website.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the June reports in the Board minutes.  

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is issuing a precautionary Boil Water Notice for users on the West Robson Water System in Electoral Area J beginning June 22, 2026. The system is located on Broadwater Road in the community of West Robson on the western border of Robson-Raspberry. West Robson is downstream of the Keenleyside dam on the Columbia River.

The Boil Water Notice is being issued as a precautionary measure due to construction being completed along Broadwater Road, which requires water mains to be partially depressurized as a safety measure. Depressurization of water mains can present opportunity for contaminants to enter the distribution system when pressure drops below 20 PSI. Although complete water main shutdowns are not anticipated unless in an emergency, users will experience reduced water pressure. Construction is expected to occur between Monday, June 22 and Saturday June 27, with the reduced pressure affecting services between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Traffic will be reduced to single lane alternating during this time.

The RDCK and Interior Health recommend all customers drink boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. Water intended for drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth should be boiled for one minute. Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Customers could also choose to use bottled or distilled water.

Owners of all public facilities must post a Boil Water Notice at all sinks or drinking water fountains accessible to the public (alternatively, public fountains and taps may be turned off). As opportunities arise, they must also advise their clientele verbally of the Boil Water Notice.

The RDCK will be taking measures to reduce risk; water quality will be monitored, and the public will be notified when the RDCK is able to lift the Boil Water Notice.

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time.  For more information contact the RDCK (250) 352-8161 or visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water.

Nelson, BC: The official results of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) seeking electoral approval for the establishment of the Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Bylaw in Electoral Areas A, B, and C has been tabulated and certified. Electoral approval for the new bylaw was obtained to establish the new service in Electoral Areas A, B, and C.

A total of 183 electoral response forms were received by the AAP deadline, however, only 175 forms were verified as qualified electors. This is less than the 10% of eligible electors required to prevent the Board from proceeding with the bylaw. The results were presented to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors at the June 18 meeting and Electoral Areas A, B, and C Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 was adopted. Taxation for the new service will start in January 2027, with the service beginning in 2027.

ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS – OFFICIAL RESULTS

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
ELECTORAL AREAS A, B, AND C DANGEROUS AND AGGRESSIVE DOG CONTROL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT BYLAW NO. 3067

Below are the official results of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) undertaken to seek elector approval from Electoral Areas A, B, and C for the Elector Areas A, B, and C Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3067, 2026.

The fair estimate of the total number of electors to whom the AAP applied was:	7674
The number of electors (10%) that were required to sign Electoral Response Forms was:	767
The number of Elector Response Forms received was:	183
The number of Elector Response Forms verified as qualified electors:	175
Official Results PDF

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is inviting residents of Electoral Area D to participate in a series of community planning conversations this summer as part of the Area D Community Planning Project.

Building on work completed in 2021, this project is an opportunity for community land use discussions between the RDCK and Area D Community members – to learn about different planning tools and to listen to the community’s needs regarding land use. With community direction, the RDCK planning department can work towards updating the Area D Comprehensive Land Use Bylaw focusing on updating and expanding planning tools such as zoning to additional communities that want them.

“Since Area D’s last community planning process in 2016, real change has been noted including new growth and development and land use concerns such as incompatible land uses, housing challenges, water constraints, and environmental damage,” said Aimee Watson, RDCK Electoral Area D Director. “With communities expressing increasing pressures, this is a good time to ask if zoning is a tool communities would like or not.”

The RDCK is committed to a community-driven process. In person engagement activities are planned during July and August 2026 including community pop up conversations and open houses throughout Area D.

If you would like more information on this initiative and how you can provide your input or attend events, please visit our engagement page at https://engage.rdck.ca/projects/area-d-planning/ or contact the RDCK planning department.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce that effective immediately the Boil Water Notice issued for users on the Riondel Water System in Electoral Area A has been rescinded.

On May 25, 2026 a Boil Water Notice was issued due to mechanical failures in the water treatment facility that prevented proper operations and required bypass of treatment components.

The repairs have been completed and water quality tests indicate that the water quality is good.

The RDCK appreciates Riondel water users’ cooperation and patience during this time and apologizes for the inconvenience experienced.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is sharing an update on the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project, which has now moved into the Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) stage.

Issued on May 28, 2026, the RFPQ invites qualified design-build firms to submit information about their experience and capacity to deliver the project proposed. This is the first step in a two-stage process used to identify design build firms best suited for a project of this scale.

A design-build approach brings design and construction together under one contract, with a single proponent responsible for delivering the project from concept through construction.

Through the RFPQ, the RDCK anticipates shortlisting up to two proponents. Those proponents would then be invited to participate in a Request for Proposals (RFP), expected to be issued in late July 2026. During the RFP stage, the shortlisted design-build firms will develop more detailed designs, project approaches, and pricing proposals within the defined budget, which will be submitted to the RDCK for evaluation and consideration.

After a proponent is conditionally selected through the RFP process, the project would proceed to community consultation, followed by a referendum for voter approval. Through the referendum, residents of the City of Castlegar and Area J would vote to establish a new service and approve the borrowing amount bylaw required to move the proposed project forward. Without voter assent on these two items, the proposed project cannot proceed.

The proposed project includes a new arena with an NHL-size ice surface and an overhead walking track, integrated with the existing Castlegar & District Community Complex.

Project Timeline

• April 2024 – March 2025: Reimagining Recreation Community Engagement
• June 2025: Commission directed staff to review bylaws, develop funding models, and advance planning for a secondary arena and walking track.
• September 2025: Strategic Priorities Fund grant application submitted
• September 2025 – May 2026: Project framework and requirements development
• May 29, 2026: Request for Pre-Qualification issued
• June 26, 2026: Request for Pre-Qualification closes
• Late July 2026: RFP is issued to shortlisted proponents
• Mid September 2026: Request For Proposal process closes
• November 28, 2026: Tentative referendum date

The project is still in the early stages and remains subject to several approvals, including bylaws, Board approval, and voter assent through a referendum. All above dates listed in the above timeline are subject to change.

Staff provide monthly updates on this project to the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission, and the public is welcome to attend. The next Commission meeting is Tuesday, July 7 at 4:00pm, online or in person at the Castlegar & District Community Complex. This is a great opportunity to stay informed on the project’s progress.

For more information about Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project, visit engage.rdck.ca.

About the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project

The Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project is a RDCK initiative stemming from the Reimagining Recreation community engagement process conducted between April 2024 and March 2025. Through that process, residents of the City of Castlegar and Area J identified support for a tax increase to fund a new secondary indoor arena and walking track. In June 2025, the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission directed staff to advance planning for the potential facility, including the development of a new service bylaw encompassing City of Castlegar and Area J residents that would fund construction, long-term borrowing, and asset renewal of the new amenities at the Castlegar & District Community Complex.

Nelson, BC: The official results of the May 30, 2026 referendum for Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service in Electoral Area H have been declared by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Chief Elections Officer. The proposed Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw Electoral Area H did not receive voter assent.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
ELECTORAL AREA H DANGEROUS AND AGGRESSIVE DOG CONTROL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT BYLAW NO. 3066
ASSENT VOTING – OFFICIAL RESULTS

VOTING STATIONS	YES	NO	TOTAL
Winlaw (Advanced Poll May 20)	49	81	130
Hills (Advanced Poll May 27)	5	8	13
Crescent Valley	77	150	227
New Denver	28	54	82
Winlaw	117	137	254
Mail-in Ballots	6	2	8
Voter Turnout: 17% (4,179 on Voters List)	282	432	714

Official signed results Electoral Area H Dangerous and Aggressive Service

The results of the referendum for Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Service in Electoral Area H means the proposed service will not go ahead. The RDCK Board will take no further action.

Resident Directed (ReDi) grant funding

The Board approved the 2026 Resident Directed (ReDi) grant funding. ReDi Grants are a program of the Columbia Basin Trust, administered by the RDCK under contract to the Trust. In 2026, a total of $1,450,465.50 in funding will be allocated to 346 different project proposals. 22 community input meetings were held across the RDCK between April 1 and April 27, providing an opportunity for each community to give feedback on the project proposals. Click here for a complete list of all the recipients of ReDi funding. The programs support local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities, and that benefit the broad community and public good.

Regional Park Enhancement Program

The Board authorized staff to submit the Year 1 project list to Columbia Basin Trust for the Regional District of Central Kootenay Regional Park Enhancement Program (2026–2028). Earlier this year, the Board approved entering into a contribution agreement with Columbia Basin Trust that will provide $1.05 million in grant funding to support improvements across the RDCK’s 27 regional parks located in Electoral Areas A, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J. The funding will support projects focused on accessibility and inclusion, hazard reduction and visitor safety, and climate adaptation measures. Program requirements include completing work in at least 60% of the regional parks within a two-year timeline.

The proposed Year 1 projects total approximately $729,000 and include trail upgrades, playground improvements, accessibility enhancements, washroom upgrades, environmental restoration work, and new park amenities across the region.

REGIONAL PARK	PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Balfour Beach Regional Park	Trail surfacing
Bonnington Regional Park	Playground replacement
Cottonwood Lake Regional Park	Trail improvements
Crawford Creek Regional Park	Trail surfacing
Crescent Valley Beach Regional Park	Accessible pathway to shelter and stairs
James Johnstone Regional Park	Washroom upgrades
Lardeau Regional Park	Riparian restoration, pathways, and emergency communications
Pass Creek Regional Park	Playground upgrade and washroom improvements
Riondel Regional Park	Concession stand upgrades and drinking water fountain
Robson Boat Ramp Regional Park	Accessible dock and ramp
Sunshine Bay Regional Park	Drinking water fountain and trail enhancement
Waterloo Eddy Regional Park	Riparian restoration and trail surfacing
Winlaw Regional and Nature Park	Erosion prevention study

Water Main Replacement Projects

The Board approved three major water main replacement projects for the Burton, Fauquier, and West Robson water systems as part of the RDCK’s ongoing infrastructure renewal program. The projects will replace aging asbestos cement (AC) water mains, service lines, and associated connections through a phased approach designed to improve long-term system reliability and maintain safe, clean drinking water for residents.

The replacement work aligns with the RDCK’s policy to decommission AC water infrastructure and reflects the organization’s continued focus on proactive asset management and planning for future community needs. These projects represent significant investments in critical water infrastructure to help ensure safe and dependable water service for residents in the affected communities.

Electoral Area D Community Planning

The Board directed staff to undertake the Area D Community Planning Project. The project will build on work completed in 2021 to continue conversations with residents about land use planning and determine whether communities are interested in updated planning tools, including zoning regulations. With growing development pressures, land use conflicts, water concerns, and environmental impacts emerging over the past decade, the project aims to better understand current community priorities and identify whether land use planning could help address local concerns.

The project will follow a phased, community-driven approach focused on education, engagement, and transparency. Phase 1 will reconnect with residents, gather feedback, and assess interest in zoning. If desired by communities, later phases will explore potential zoning options, technical analysis, and draft regulations before any proposed bylaws are brought forward for Board consideration and public hearing. Click here to read the project charter.

Sub Region West Official Community Plan

The Board directed staff to proceed with the RDCK Sub Region West Official Community Plan (OCP) project for Electoral Areas F, J, and K, representing the first time the RDCK is bundling multiple electoral areas into a single sub-regional OCP process. This new approach improves efficiency and consistency by standardizing land use planning across a broader area, reducing duplication of work, and creating clearer, more coordinated policy direction while still reflecting the needs and characteristics of each local area within a single plan.

The Project Charter and Engagement Framework set out the governance, engagement approach, and five-phase delivery model for the project, supported by staff, Electoral Area Directors, First Nations, and invested parties. Endorsing the framework enables a coordinated and transparent process that streamlines planning work, supports clearer requirements, and aligns priorities across the sub-region over the course of the project. Click here to read the project charter and engagement framework.

RDCK Quarterly Report

The RDCK Quarterly Report provides a condensed summary of active projects and initiatives within the RDCK. The report includes a clear and concise understanding of each project and its connection to the Board’s strategic priorities. Click here to view the latest quarterly report, including the most recently completed projects.

Click here to view the quarterly report page on the RDCK website.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the May reports in the Board minutes.  

1:15 pm PST

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for all communities along the Lardeau River, Duncan River, and surrounding tributaries stretching from the northern end of Kootenay Lake to Trout Lake in Electoral Area D due to water levels dropping. This includes the communities of Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Marblehead, and Poplar Creek.

A hydrologist assessment indicates the water levels have dropped below levels that would cause concern for flooding. The current Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast supports a rescind of the Evacuation Alert.

Evacuation Alert Rescinded PDF

BC River Forecast Centre downgraded the Flood Watch for the Lardeau River to a Flood Warning. Most rivers throughout the region have reached peak levels due to accelerated snowmelt and earlier thunderstorm rain events. The Lardeau River remains high, with 2-year to 10-yeaer flows being currently observed. However, cooler temperatures will assist with reduced snowmelt runoff. Residents are advised to remain prepared. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

A reminder that fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

Information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK can be found on the RDCK website and Facebook. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.

What residents can do to be prepared:

• Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
• Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
• If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
• For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
• If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
• If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders, and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• RDCK Public Emergency Web Map
• Report flooding or any new hazards to the 24-hour toll free provincial emergency number at 1.800.663.3456
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• Follow the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warning and advisories
• Prepared BC
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• FortisBC Kootenay Lake Level Monitoring
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro Outage Map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) 1.888.630.1420

Nelson, BC: The unofficial results of the May 30, 2026 referendum for a Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment in Electoral Area H has been declared by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Chief Elections Officer. The proposed bylaw in Electoral Area H did not receive voter assent.

Declaration of Unofficial Assent Voting Results

Title of Assent Vote: Area H Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3066, 2026, Assent Vote

Yes Votes: 282

No Votes: 432

QUESTION ON THE BALLOT

Electoral Area H Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3066, 2025 will allow the Regional District to establish a service for the regulation of Dangerous and Aggressive Dogs in Electoral Area H and to establish a maximum annual allowable requisition not to exceed the greater of $ 109,741 or the amount resulting from a rate of $0.077/$1,000 applied to the actual net taxable value of land and improvements in the service area.

Are you in favour of the Regional District adopting Electoral Area H Dangerous and Aggressive Dog Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3066, 2025? Yes OR No

The RDCK Board will be required to rescind third reading of the bylaw and take no further action.

1:30 pm

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for 165 properties in the Six Mile Duhamel Creek community, just north of the City of Nelson, around the Duhamel Creek fan in Electoral Area F.

A hydrologist assessment indicates the water levels of Duhamel Creek are below the banks and contained within the channel.  The current Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast supports a rescind of the Evacuation Alert.

Evacuation Alert Rescinded PDF

BC River’s Forecast Centre’s flood watch remains in place for the West Kootenay region which covers the entire RDCK. Residents are advised to remain prepared. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

A reminder that fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

Information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK can be found on the RDCK website and Facebook. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.

What residents can do to be prepared:

• Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
• Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
• If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
• For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
• If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
• If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders, and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• RDCK Public Emergency Web Map
• Report flooding or any new hazards to the 24-hour toll free provincial emergency number at 1.800.663.3456
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• Follow the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warning and advisories
• Prepared BC
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• FortisBC Kootenay Lake Level Monitoring
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro Outage Map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) 1.888.630.1420

10:45 pm

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert due to rising water levels for all communities along the Lardeau River, Duncan River, and surrounding tributaries stretching from the northern end of Kootenay Lake to Trout Lake in Electoral Area D. This includes the communities of Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Marblehead, and Poplar Creek.

Weather forecasting and hydrologist assessment indicate the potential for flows in the Lardeau River to go over the banks and create areas of high water within the floodplain adjacent to the river.  

Evacuation Alert – Lardeau River Area
Evacuation Alert – List of addresses included in the affected area

Expanded Map – Cooper Creek Evacuation Alert
Expanded Map – Meadow Creek/Marblehead Evacuation Alert
Expanded Map – Meadow Creek to Howser Evacuation Alert
Expanded Map – Howser to Poplar Creek Evacuation Alert

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

The BC River Forecast centre issued a Flood Watch for the West Kootenay region on May 28 which covers the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), including the tributaries around Trout Lake, Lardeau River, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Nelson. Warmer weather over the past few days has led to increase snowmelt rates and rising river levels through the region. Environment Canada is also forecasting a significant amount of rain through Monday.

High river flows are expected through Monday or Tuesday across the region. The current high end precipitation scenarios in weather models indicate the potential for flooding throughout the Kootenays. Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

What residents can do to be prepared:

• Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
• Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
• If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
• For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
• If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
• If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders, and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• Report flooding or any new hazards to the 24-hour toll free provincial emergency number at 1.800.663.3456
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• Follow the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warning and advisories
• Prepared BC
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• FortisBC Kootenay Lake Level Monitoring
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro Outage Map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) 1.888.630.1420

7:45 pm PST

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 165 properties in the community of Six Mile, just north of the City of Nelson, around the Duhamel Creek fan in Electoral Area F due to potential for flooding.

Weather forecasting and hydrologist assessment indicate that Duhamel Creek may rise rapidly overnight. Debris in the creek channels, shallow flood depth and ponding may be observed.

Evacuation Alert Duhamel Creek Map

Evacuation Alert – List of affected properties

At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate, however the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

The BC River Forecast centre has issued a Flood Watch for the West Kootenay region which covers the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), including the tributaries around Trout Lake, Lardeau River, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Nelson. Warmer weather over the past few days has led to increase snowmelt rates and rising river levels through the region. Environment Canada is forecasting 50 to 100+ mm of rain through Monday.

High river flows are expected through Monday or Tuesday across the region. The current high end precipitation scenarios in weather models indicate the potential for flooding throughout the Kootenays. Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

What residents can do to be prepared:

• Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
• Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
• If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
• For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
• If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
• If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders, and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• Report flooding or any new hazards to the 24-hour toll free provincial emergency number at 1.800.663.3456
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• Follow the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warning and advisories
• Prepared BC
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• FortisBC Kootenay Lake Level Monitoring
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro Outage Map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) 1.888.630.1420

Nelson, BC:  The BC River Forecast centre has issued a Flood Watch for the West Kootenay region which covers the entire Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), including the tributaries around Trout Lake, Lardeau River, Kaslo, Nakusp, and Nelson. Warmer weather over the past few days has led to increase snowmelt rates and rising river levels through the region. Environment Canada is forecasting 50 to 100+ mm of rain through Monday.

High river flows are expected late Friday through Monday or Tuesday across the region. The current high end precipitation scenarios in weather models indicate the potential for flooding through the Kootenays.

Fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

It is imperative RDCK residents take the necessary steps to be flood prepared. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.

Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.

For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

• Current RDCK Evacuation Alerts, Orders, and Rescinds or call 250.352.7701
• Report flooding or any new hazards to the 24-hour toll free provincial emergency number at 1.800.663.3456
• Sign up for RDCK Emergency Notification System to receive notifications
• Follow the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warning and advisories
• Prepared BC
• Public weather alerts for BC from Environment Canada
• FortisBC Kootenay Lake Level Monitoring
• Fortis BC Outage Map or call 1.866.436.7847
• BC Hydro Outage Map or call 1.800.224.9376
• Nelson Hydro 1.877.324.9376
• Drive BC for highway closures and road conditions
• Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) 1.888.630.1420

Nelson, BC: Effective, Monday, June 1, 2026, mandatory Stage 1 water conservation measures will be implemented across all Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) water systems. These measures will remain in place from June 1 through September 30. Stage 1 may increase to one of three additional stages should demand increase significantly, hot and dry weather persists, or if reservoirs decline to critically low levels.

Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures Include:

• Watering of lawns (Including new lawns), gardens, trees, and shrubs ONLY between the hours of 7:00 pm to 10:00 am
• Watering using drip irrigation, a watering can, and or hand held hose is permitted at anytime.

Click here for a complete description of RDCK water conservation measures stages 1 through 4 or visit www.rdck.ca/water.

The RDCK appreciates water users’ ongoing cooperation in adhering to the water conservation measures.