Category: Uncategorized

Pleased by advised that the Marblehead Transfer Station will be operating at limited capacity for Mixed Waste and is only accepting small residential sized loads.

Due to reduced daylight, temporary operating hours will be in place until January 31, 2026 for the following sites:

• Lakeside Recycling Depot – closing at 4:00 pm
• Creston Helen St Recycling Depot – closing at 4:00 pm
• Crescent Valley Recycling Depot – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The RDCK would like to thank everyone that purchased compost in 2025 from the RDCK. A successful first-time compost sale period distributed over 600 cubic meters to residents and farms throughout the RDCK between August and December.  A small amount of compost will be available in early 2026 at the Central Transfer Station, with another larger sale event in the fall of 2026.

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Before you go to a RDCK office, landfill, transfer station, gated recycling depot, or recreation complex during the holiday season be sure to check out our holiday hours and closures schedule. Happy Holidays!

Nelson, BC:  Effective January 2, 2026, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will accept grant applications for the Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust) Resident Directed Grants (ReDi).

The program supports local projects that provide additional value to Basin communities. ReDi Grants are intended to be flexible and incorporate community-based funding decisions. The program is funded by the Trust and delivered in partnership with local governments and First Nations in the Basin, including the RDCK.

“Our community continues to benefit from the vital role Columbia Basin Trust plays in supporting and building up local projects in our area,” said Aimee Watson, RDCK Board Chair and Electoral Area D Director. “We look forward to seeing the submissions and having our many communities participate in the engagement process that the ReDi program requires.”

Last year, 322 applications were received, of which 313 were approved. The majority of projects that received funding were supporting cultural, social, environmental and economic projects.

The granting allocation for the RDCK for 2026 – 2027 is $1,409,849.00.

Click here to find more information about the Columbia Basin Trust ReDi Grants, including, who is eligible and how to apply. The deadline to apply is February 20, 2026 at 4:30 pm.

RDCK purchases land to create future community regional park in the Creston Valley

The RDCK purchased 3823 Goat Canyon Road in Electoral Area B for the development of a community regional park in the Creston Valley. The acquisition of the 4.4-acre property was made possible through contributions from Columbia Basin Trust ($540,000), BC Parks Foundation ($200,000), and the RDCK ($159,000). The property will become a future regional park and re-open long-term public access to the Goat River. The purchase also supports the RDCK, Town of Creston, and Electoral Areas A, B, and C Parks and Recreation Master Plan’s goal of adding parkland for the community. Over the next year the RDCK will complete a full risk assessment and begin developing a management plan to guide access, safety, and environmental protection. Click here for further details, including a map and photo of the property.

Construction Demolition Renovation Waste Multi-Material Diversion Pilot

The Board directed staff to proceed with Construction Demolition Renovation Waste Multi-Material Diversion Pilot (The Pilot) at the Nakusp Resource Recovery Facility in early 2026. The purpose of this pilot is to determine the viability of diversion programs for pane and automative glass (glass packing is already available at RDCK recycling depots) and drywall waste.

The objective of the pilot will be to recycle drywall into new drywall, which has been a common practice in larger centres for years, and is available in many other regions in BC. As well, recovered automotive and window pane glass will be crushed and used as cement additive, which significantly reduces embodied Greenhouse Gases generated in cement making.

Piloting CDR diversion onsite at Nakusp offers an opportunity to trial alternative resource recovery models for rural transfer station locations. If successful some of the diversion services may become permanent, and potentially expand to other facilities in the region.

The pilot is funded through $10,000 from the City of Nelson’s Low Carbon Homes Initiative Fund and $10,000 from the RDCK’s Local Government Climate Action Program funds.

Letter of Opposition – Bill M 216 – Professional Reliance Act

The Board approved sending a letter of concern/opposition to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs regarding Bill M 216 – 2025 Professional Reliance Act.

Bill M 216 is intended to reduce perceived duplication in local government oversight of construction, but contains multiple interpretations and could undermine public safety, bylaw compliance, and local government liability protections. If approved, the Bill requires local governments to accept certified submissions from professionals without meaningful review. The Bill assumes these professionals possess detailed knowledge of complex, jurisdiction-specific bylaws and prevents local governments from rejecting non-compliant plans early in the permit process. This could result in buildings constructed in violation of bylaws, costly retroactive fixes, and delayed responses to serious safety issues where peer reviews are urgently needed. Further, the Bill’s narrow and unclear liability protections leave local governments exposed, especially since many professionals carry limited, claims-made insurance that may not respond when construction defects emerge.

Tipping fees increased at RDCK facilities

The Board adopted Resource Recovery Facility Regulatory Bylaw No. 3065, 2025 which includes a 6.4% increase to most tipping fees. Organic waste products tipping fees will increase by just 2.4%. These changes go into effect January 1, 2026.  

The 6.4% increase is a combination of a 2.4% increase to address inflation, plus a 4% increase planned each year, over the next five years in an effort to achieve cost recovery; managing waste largely through tipping fees, rather than taxation, is aligned with the RDCK’s goal to operate a user pay system.  

In addition, mattresses will now be charged a per-unit rate of $17.50 each. The switch to a “per unit” rate for mattresses is in part a response to the exclusion of mattresses from the Recycling Regulation update in 2025. The RDCK and many other regional districts continue to lobby the province to include mattresses in the Recycling Regulation.   

For more information, please visit www.rdck.ca/user-fees.  

2025 appointments for external committees

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

• Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia – Director Keith Page
• Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors – Director Suzan Hewat
• Regional Invasive Species Working Group – Directors Suzan Hewat and Kelly Vandenberghe
• Selkirk College Regional Innovation Chair for Rural Economic Development – Director Aidan McLaren-Caux
• Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee – Director Arnold DeBoon
• Municipal Finance Authority – Director Suzan Hewat
• West Kootenay Transit Committee – Directors Diana Lockwood, Maria McFaddin, and Walter Popoff

Long Term Service Awards

The Board recognized and thanked 31 employees for their long-term service to the RDCK.

Long Term Service Award recipients with Board Chair Aimee Watson (Top Left – Rob Chernenko, Top Right – Chris Lehnert, Bottom Left – Tom Dool, Bottom Right – Stuart Durning)

Tanya Gordon appointed to the RDCK Board of Directors

Effective January 1, 2026, Mayor Tanya Gordon will replace Councillor Leah Main as the representative from the Village of Silverton on the RDCK Board of Directors. Main will assume the role of Alternate Board Director for the Village of Silverton.

The Board would like to thank Director Main for her dedicated service and leadership as a longstanding advocate for rural communities as a member of the RDCK Board of Directors for over a decade. A former Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board member as well, Director Main’s commitment, insight, and collaborative approach has made a lasting impact on our region.

(Pictured: Board Chair Aimee Watson and Leah Main)

Director’s Reports

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

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

December 11, 2025

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is excited to share it has purchased 3823 Goat Canyon Road in Electoral Area B for $899,000. The 4.4-acre property will become a future regional park and re-open long-term public access to the Goat River, supporting the RDCK, Town of Creston and Electoral Areas A, B & C Parks and Recreation Master Plan’s goal of adding parkland for the community. Securing this land marks an important step in re-establishing a community gathering place cherished by generations.

“It’s exciting to see our efforts to acquire parkland for the community come to life,” said Roger Tierney, RDCK Electoral Area B Director. “This acquisition represents an important step toward improving parkland access in the region. As we move into planning, it is important that we hear from residents to help shape the future of this regional park, while also continuing our engagement with the Yaqan Nuʔkiy.”

While the land is now publicly owned, it is not yet open for public use. A full risk assessment must be completed, and any identified risks mitigated, before the public can safely enjoy the park. Over the next year, the RDCK will complete these site assessments and begin developing a management plan to guide access, safety, and environmental protection.

Residents will have opportunities to provide input as planning for the future of the park moves forward. The RDCK will share engagement details once they have been determined. The RDCK has also been in contact with Yaqan Nuʔkiy throughout the acquisition and will continue their engagement as planning advances.

“We’re grateful to our partners for their support in making this acquisition possible,” said Tierney. “Without their contributions, this purchase wouldn’t have been feasible.”

The land acquisition was made possible through contributions from Columbia Basin Trust ($540,000), BC Parks Foundation ($200,000), and the RDCK ($159,000).

“Restoring access to the Goat River has long been a community priority, and we’re pleased to help make this important step possible,” said Katie Kendall, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “We look forward to seeing the RDCK, Yaqan Nuʔkiy, and the community shape the future of this cherished place.”

“Adding this land to the public trust is a real win for the Creston Valley and we are happy to have played a role in making it happen,” says Andy Day, CEO of BC Parks Foundation. “It sets the stage for a future regional park where people will be able to swim, paddle, and spend time by the Goat River in a beautiful place. Parks like this improve people’s mental and physical health, boost the local economy, and are good for nature.”

For more information visit rdck.ca/parks.

Aimee Watson acclaimed as RDCK Board Chair for 2026

Electoral Area D Director Aimee Watson was acclaimed as Board Chair for 2026 by the RDCK Board at this month’s meeting. Chair Watson has served as the RDCK Electoral Area D Director since 2014 and begins her eighth term as Chair.

Village of Nakusp Councillor and RDCK Director Aidan McLaren-Caux was elected as Board Vice-Chair for 2026 by the Board of Directors. Vice-Chair McLaren-Caux has served as a RDCK Director since 2022 and begins his second term as Vice-Chair.

The Board Chair and Vice-Chair are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve a one-year term.

2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan

The Board continued its discussions on the 2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan, with presentations on Emergency Consolidated Services, Geospatial Information Systems, Building Inspection, and Planning & Land Use. The objective is to provide the Board an earlier review of the budget process to allow for feedback, questions, or requests. The final draft of the budget needs to be ready for adoption at the March 2026 Board meeting for submission to the ministry.

Click here to read the draft financial plan review.

Click here to review the 2025-2029 sub-regional budget presentations from last year’s engagement process.

Columbia Basin Trust Wildfire Grant

The Board authorized staff to apply for the 2025 Columbia Basin Trust Community Resiliency Investment Program, a grant from Columbia Basin Trust in the amount of $1,638,130 to build resiliency towards wildfire through education and wildfire risk reduction work. If successful in attaining the grant, the funds will go towards Youth FireSmart Education, incremental funding to support the delivery of FireSmart Farm and Ranch Assessments in all Electoral Areas, and prescription and fuel treatments based on current Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans.

Emergency Support Services Grant

The Board authorized staff to apply for the 2026 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Support Services (ESS) grant from the Union of BC Municipalities in the amount of $225,195 to support and improve ESS service delivery across the RDCK. If approved, this funding will support key program improvements, expand training options, and allow ESS teams to gather as a regional team more frequently. ESS is a provincial program delivered by local governments to provide short-term support to residents displaced by emergencies or disasters. Within the RDCK, ESS is coordinated regionally and delivered locally by trained volunteers to all electoral areas and municipalities, with the exception of Castlegar and New Denver, who administer their own ESS programs.

Just this month, the RDCK hosted a regional gathering to bring together volunteers for a day of community building, planning for the future, and acknowledging the many years of dedicated service by our volunteers. There are nine ESS teams in the RDCK, but always room for more people to volunteer. Interested residents can find out more information at www.rdck.ca/joinESS.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the November reports in the Board minutes. Click here to watch the Directors’ Reports (03:59:55 in the video).

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce successful completion of major upgrades to the Nakusp Waste Facility, marking a significant step in its transition from an active landfill to a modern transfer station.

Over the past two years the Nakusp site underwent substantial improvements, including the installation of a new tipping area and compacting bins. These upgrades were part of a long-term strategy to enhance waste management services, control costs, and improve environmental performance while preparing for the eventual closure of the landfill.

Nakusp Transfer Station

Landfill Closure and Continued Services

The landfill is expected to cease operations November 24, 2025, once it reaches the limits of its current footprint. This closure will not affect the majority of site users. Residents will continue to dispose of household garbage and most recyclable materials at the new transfer station, which is now fully operational. Existing areas for clean wood, metal, tires, tanks, and yard & garden materials will remain unchanged. Staff will provide direction for any materials not suitable for bin disposal.

Why the Change?

The decision to consolidate landfilling across the RDCK was first recommended in 2009 to reduce operating costs and improve environmental outcomes. Currently, RDCK landfills operate without engineered liners or leachate treatment systems. While these are not required for existing RDCK landfill cells, any new cells will require costly infrastructure to meet modern standards; transitioning the Nakusp site to a transfer station and hauling waste to Ootischenia Landfill, will allow the region to avoid the higher costs of meeting these standards.

Environmental Benefits

Over 90% of waste-related emissions in Nakusp stem from landfill decomposition rather than transportation. Although hauling waste to Ootischenia may slightly increase emissions in the short term, significant reductions are expected by the mid-2030s, when Ootischenia begins managing landfill gas—an initiative not feasible at smaller sites like Nakusp.

The Ootischenia Landfill will be developed as an engineered landfill, including liners and leachate collection and treatment system, reducing the impact of waste on the receiving environment.

What to Expect After Closure

To ease the transition, allowances will be made for some disposals normally not accepted at RDCK transfer stations, for the first year following landfill closure. For larger disposals (greater than 5 m3 or 2,000 kg) RDCK staff will strive to accommodate residents, municipal partners, and contractors, through assessing loads on a case-by-case basis. Loads that exceed bin capacity or posing a threat to infrastructure or hauling safety (e.g., dense boulders or concrete which can damage bins or create weight imbalances) will be directed to Ootischenia for disposal.

As with all RDCK transfer stations, the following Controlled Wastes will not be accepted at Nakusp once landfilling ends:

• Contaminated soil,
• Municipal wastewater biosolids,
• Dead animals (quantities over 121 litres/27 imperial gallons),
• Land clearing debris (quantities over 1.5 cubic metres),
• Asbestos containing materials.

Click here for a full list of accepted controlled waste materials. The Nakusp Transfer Station will continue to operate its septage pit until alternative service options are assessed for the Nakusp area.

Looking Ahead

The RDCK is actively exploring construction, demolition, and renovation waste diversion options to reduce the need for hauling this heavy, bulky waste to Ootischenia for disposal.

“We appreciate the community’s patience throughout this transition,” said Uli Wolf, RDCK General Manager of Environmental Services. “We’re proud to offer a modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible waste management solution for Nakusp.”

For more information

Please visit www.rdck.ca/NakuspTS.

In recognition of Remembrance Day, all RDCK landfills, transfer stations, and gated recycling depots will be CLOSED on Tuesday, November 11. Recreation complexes in Castlegar, Creston and Nelson will be OPEN from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

All RDCK offices will be OPEN for regular hours of operation, except between 10:45 and 11:45 am, for staff to attend local Remembrance Day services.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will be completing important maintenance projects at the Castlegar & District Community Complex in 2026. To complete the work needed, the dry arena floor and pool will each have extended scheduled closures.

Closure Schedule:

• Dry Arena Floor: April 27 to August 10, 2026
  • Brief reopening June 10–14 for graduation events.
  • Ice making begins August 11.
• Pool: August 1 to September 13, 2026
  • Reopening September 14.

The dry arena floor will be closed so a low-emissivity ceiling can be installed, and insulation work can be completed in the attic above. This will lead to energy efficiency and extend the life of the arena roof. In the pool, annual maintenance will take place alongside the next phase of the roof replacement project, which includes interior work that must be completed while the pool is closed.

“Maintaining our assets through regular maintenance and timely capital improvements, ensures they remain safe, efficient, and reliable for our community,” said Craig Stanley, Regional Manager – Operations & Asset Management. “We understand the temporary closures may cause disruption, and we are thankful for the community’s patience as we work to ensure the facility continues to serve residents well into the future.”

Local user groups, including swim clubs and lacrosse organizations, have been informed of the upcoming summer closures. The RDCK encourages users to plan ahead when purchasing memberships, as both areas will be fully closed for the durations noted.

RDCK to pause concept design for new office space in Creston

The Board directed staff to pause its detailed investigation to develop a concept design and estimate the renovation of a new RDCK office space on the upper floor of Rotacrest Hall in Creston. Staff were also directed to finalize the feasibility study for potential office space in Creston, including the investigation of properties not owned or leased by the RDCK, and bring a report back to the Board.

Castlegar & District Community Complex Facility Enhancement Project.

The Board authorized staff to prepare a service establishment bylaw and a loan authorization bylaw in the amount of $15 million for the purpose of construction of a second arena and walking track in the City of Castlegar and Electoral Area J.

The Castlegar & District Recreation Commission and RDCK are actively planning the potential new recreation amenity at the Castlegar & District Community Complex. The proposed project is guided by feedback from the Reimagining Recreation engagement process, which helped identify which amenities were a priority for the community and which areas would be willing to participate in funding the project.

Electoral Area I is not included in the proposed new service bylaw and would not contribute to the construction or asset renewal of the new amenity. However, if the projects moves forward, following voter approval, Electoral Area I would contribute to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the new amenity.

2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan for General Administration and Rural Administration

The Board began discussions on the 2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan for General Administration Services (includes corporate administration, finance, information technology, human resources, Chief Administrative Officer, and Municipal and Rural Directors) and Rural Administration Services (bylaw services, Rural Director expenses, and election services). The objective is to provide the Board an earlier review of the budget process to allow for feedback, questions, or requests. The final draft of the budget needs to be ready for adoption at the March 2026 Board meeting for submission to the ministry.

Click here to read the draft financial plan review.

Click here to review the 2025-2029 sub-regional budget presentations.

Permissive Tax Exemptions

The Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw was adopted by the Board. Permissive tax exemptions issued by the RDCK Board, exempt eligible properties from taxation for a specified period of time, as they pertain to specific land uses, prescribed by the Province, in the Local Government Act. Properties eligible for a permissive tax exemption include land owned and held by an athletic or service organization for recreational use by the public, places of worship, agricultural or horticultural societies, halls or venues, and art galleries or museums owned by not-for-profit organizations. Applications are reviewed based on four key areas: land and improvement eligibility, applicant eligibility, regulatory eligibility, and taxation considerations.

For more information www.rdck.ca/taxexempt.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click on the links below for more information.

Director Jackman report

Director Vandenberghe report

Director Watson report

Direct Graham and Newell report

Director Hewat report

Director Mclaren-Caux report

Director Popoff report

RDCK Quarterly Report

For the latest RDCK Quarterly Report, which details the current projects and initiatives of the RDCK, please follow the link.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce that effective immediately the Water Quality Advisory issuedfor users on the Erickson Water System has been rescinded.

On October 12, 2025 a Water Quality Advisory was issued due to a temporary issue with a chlorine dosing pump at the Arrow Creek Water Treatment Plant, which resulted in lower-than-required chlorine residual entering the distribution system.

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

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

Nelson, BC: Following a small fire that occurred on the roof above the pool area in the early morning of Thursday, October 16, we are pleased to confirm that contractors have completed inspections and the necessary repairs have been done to the affected area. The pool will reopen on Friday, October 17, for its regular hours of operation.

Thanks to the prompt actions of staff and the Castlegar Fire Department, the fire was kept small and damage to the building was minimized. To safely reopen the pool, crews removed and replaced a six-foot section of damaged wall with new materials matching the existing structure. No further structural work is required. Other than a slight smoke odour that may remain, there are no ongoing impacts to the facility.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

The RDCK would again like to thank the Castlegar Fire Department for their quick response, and to the community for their patience and understanding as we worked to safely reopen the facility.

Nelson, BC: At approximately 1:15 am on Thursday, October 16, staff at the Castlegar & District Community Complex noticed smoke in the pool area. Upon investigation, staff observed smoke coming from the roof and immediately called 911. The Castlegar Fire Department responded quickly, extinguishing the fire shortly after arrival.

Thanks to the prompt actions of Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) staff and the Castlegar Fire Department, the fire was contained to a small area. However, there is a noticeable smoke smell in the pool area, and repair work will be required before reopening the pool.

As a result, the pool area will be closed until further notice, pending inspection and confirmation that it is safe for both patrons and staff. The rest of the facility remains open, as it was unaffected aside from minor smoke odour. The RDCK will provide updates as information becomes available.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

The RDCK would again like to thank the Castlegar Fire Department for their quick response and community members for their understanding as we work to reopen the pool safely.

Nelson, BC: Effective immediately, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has rescinded water conservation measures for all RDCK water systems. Users can return to regular water consumption.

The RDCK appreciates your cooperation in adhering to the water restrictions. For more information, please visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water, or contact the RDCK at (250) 352-8161 or 1-800-268-7325 ext. 8161. Click here to learn more about water conservation.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a Water Quality Advisory for users on the Erickson Water System. The system is located in Erickson just outside the eastern border of Creston, crossing the boundary of RDCK Electoral Areas B and C.

This advisory is being issued due to a temporary issue with a chlorine dosing pump at the Arrow Creek Water Treatment Plant, which resulted in lower-than-required chlorine residual entering the distribution system. The issue has been corrected, and normal chlorination has resumed; however, water with a lower chlorine residual is currently moving through parts of the distribution network.

While the Arrow Creek Water Treatment Plant provides multiple barriers to protect water quality—including membrane filtration, ultraviolet disinfection, and chlorination—Interior Health recommends that individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, children, and anyone wishing additional protection should boil their water for at least one minute before drinking, washing fruits and vegetables, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth.

Owners of all public facilities must post a Water Quality Advisory 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 Water Quality Advisory.

RDCK staff will continue to monitor chlorine residual levels throughout the system and will lift the advisory once consistent and adequate disinfectant residuals are confirmed.

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.

BC Transit, the City of Nelson and the Regional District of Central Kootenays (RDCK) are advising customers of an upcoming temporary change to transit service.

Starting Thursday, October 16 until Friday, October 31, construction on the Perry’s Back Road Bridge in Electoral Area H will cause some delays and route changes. Route 20 Slocan Valley will detour away from Slocan River Road/Perry’s Back Road and instead take Highway 6 between Winlaw and the Threads Guild Hall. See poster below for details.

Please see notices printed at area bus stops and sign up for customer alerts at bctransit.com/west-kootenay for the latest on this detour.

For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/west-kootenay

In recognition of Thanksgiving, all RDCK offices, landfills, transfer stations, and gated recycling depots will be CLOSED on Monday, October 13. Recreation complexes in Castlegar, Creston, and Nelson will be OPEN from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce the Rosebery to Three Forks Regional Trail (Galena Trail) is now open for public use.

Work has been completed on the installation of a new 85-foot aluminum bridge, along with wooden ramp approaches and other earthworks required to restore the trail connection between the cable car crossing and the Three Forks trailhead.

Trail users can once again enjoy the full length of the Galena Trail. The RDCK appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while the necessary work was completed to ensure safety and accessibility.

For more information, updates on the trail status, visit rdck.ca/parks.

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 West Robson Water System in Electoral Area J has been rescinded.

On September 25, 2025 a Boil Water Notice was issued due to an unanticipated depressurization of the water main during a planned reservoir repair.

The repairs have 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.

For more information contact the RDCK 250.352.8161 or visit our website at www.rdck.ca/water.

Click here to check the operating hours at your nearest facility.

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all RDCK offices, landfills, transfer stations, gated recycling depots, and recreation complexes will be CLOSED on Tuesday, September 30.

This is a day to recognize the impacts of the Canadian residential school system on Indigenous Peoples and to honour the resilience and dignity of survivors. This day is an opportunity to build on our commitment to reconciliation in our communities. Wearing an orange shirt on this day is a way to show our support.

There are many ways to listen, learn, and take part.

Purchase an Orange Shirt

• Selkirk College Bookstore
• Legends Logos Gift Store – Creston
• Native Pride Design
• Circle of Indigenous Nations Society – Castlegar

Events & Activities

• Parliament Hill – Truth and Reconciliation Live
• Elements of Truth – kinSHIFT Workshops
• Indigenous Tourism BC Events
• Selkirk College Events
• Castlegar – COINS Public Event
• Taghum Hall – Indigenous Led Activities
• Creston – Ceremony at Yaqan Nukiy School
• Nelson – Movement is Medicine – Elephant Mountain Challenge

Resources

• 21 Actions to deepen your understanding
• Calls to Justice: MMIWG Final Report
• 30 Must Read Books
• CBC Gem Indigenous Movies
• Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce
• First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
• Learning Resources about First Nations, Inuit, and Metis

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) issued a precautionary Boil Water Notice for users on the West Robson Water System. The system is located on Broadwater Road in the community of West Robson on the western border of Robson-Raspberry, within RDCK Electoral Area J. West Robson is downstream of the Keenlyside Dam on the Columbia River.

The precautionary Boil Water Notice has been issued due to unanticipated depressurization of the reservoir water main during planned reservoir repairs.

The RDCK and Interior Health recommend that 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.