Category: Uncategorized

Nelson, BC: Effective Thursday, June 1, 2024, 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:

• Water 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 user’s ongoing cooperation in adhering to the water conservation measures.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The official results of the May 11, 2024 referendums for curbside collection services have been declared by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Chief Elections Officer. The proposed curbside collection services bylaw in defined areas F and H and in defined areas of area J did not receive voter assent.  

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY
DEFINED AREAS F AND H CURBSIDE COLLECTION SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT BYLAW NO. 2933
ASSENT VOTING – OFFICIAL RESULTS

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is seeking information from the public to help locate the persons responsible for vandalism at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park (695 Waterloo Road, Ootischenia) in Electoral Area J.

Damage was discovered at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park and was reported to RDCK staff on the morning of May 2. When staff went to assess the damage it appeared as if a large machine entered the park by removing barriers meant to restrict motorized use and continued along the pedestrian path removing additional barriers. Many of the barriers removed were disposed of in riparian areas below causing significant damage.

“I am saddened to see the vandalism that occurred at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park,” said Henny Hanegraaf, RDCK Electoral Area J Director. “The Park is an outdoor space for all local residents to enjoy, in its natural state, which was expressed by residents during a public consultation process in 2015.”

The board adopted Waterloo Eddy Regional Park Management Plan, in 2016, which restricts motor vehicle access to the park due to the impact they cause to the terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Motorized vehicle access is restricted to the designated parking lot at the north end of the park. Landscape design, barriers and fencing are used to prevent motorized access to the back eddy, seasonally flooded areas, and remaining areas of the park.

This is the fourth vandalism incident that has happened at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park within the last two years. Acts of vandalism cost thousands of dollars worth of damage to our parks every year.

If you have any information in regards to the incidents please call the Castlegar RCMP at 250.365.7721 to speak with an investigator or email bylaw@rdck.bc.ca to submit a complaint.

Click here for a print-friendly PDF version.

Next week marks Local Government Awareness Week (May 12-18). The annual initiative’s objective is to build public awareness of local government roles and services, while encouraging the public to participate in local government processes.

What is a regional district? Regional districts are a form of local government that is unique to British Columbia, consisting of a federation of rural areas and incorporated municipalities. Regional districts provide direct representation to rural areas while advocating for both rural areas and municipalities on issues of regional importance. Regional districts enable cooperation between municipalities and rural areas to support the economic, social, and environmental goals of the region. The RDCK is one of 27 regional districts in BC.

How are regional districts governed? Like all local governments in Canada, the Regional District of Central Kootenay is granted its powers by the province. For regional districts in BC, these powers are primarily derived from the Local Government Act. The principal decision-making body in a regional district is the Board of Directors. There are two kinds of directors: Electoral Area Directors are directly elected to the Board by the voters of an electoral area every four years, while Municipal Directors are first elected to their respective councils, then appointed by their council to the Board to serve a one-year term. In the RDCK, there are eleven Electoral Area Directors and nine Municipal Directors that serve on the Board. The Board also elects its own Chair and Vice-Chair to serve one-year terms. The Chair presides over Board meetings, directs the overall management of the business and affairs of the regional district, and ensures that the law is carried out for the improvement and good government of the regional district and its residents.

What services does a regional district provide? No regional district provides identical services, as every region has its unique needs. The Board determines which services are provided, and where they will be provided. In some cases, residents of an area decide whether or not they would like a service to be established through a petition, an alternative approval process (also known as an AAP, a type of plebiscite or counter-petition) or assent vote (referendum). As a result of this framework, some services are provided are provided in certain communities, specific electoral areas or portions thereof, municipalities, or the entire regional district. Regional districts are required to match the cost of its services to the people who benefit from them. In other words, residents only pay for what they get.

RELATED LINKS: A Community Effort, UBCM; Regional Districts in BC, municipal affairs

Electoral Areas: The RDCK provides services and governance to residents living outside of member municipalities in eleven rural electoral areas. These electoral areas comprise over 99 percent of the RDCK’s land area and just over half of the RDCK’s population. Directors for each electoral area are elected by residents every four years.

Member Municipalities: The RDCK has nine incorporated municipalities, consisting of two cities, one town, and six villages. Directors from each municipality are appointed by their respective councils to serve a one-year term on the RDCK Board.

RELATED LINKS: A Guide to RD Board Delegation to Committees and Commissions

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit the Local Government Awareness website

This Saturday, May 11, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, is General Voting Day for two referendums on the proposed curbside collection service for residents in Electoral Areas F, H, and J. Electors within the boundary of the service area are the only persons entitled to participate in this assent vote.

In defined portions of Electoral Areas F and H, residents are being asked: 

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Defined Areas F & H Curbside Collection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2933, 2023, which will permit the Regional District to establish a 3 stream curbside collection service with waste, organics and recycling for defined portions of Electoral Areas F & H; which if approved will result in an annual requisition not to exceed $596,235.28 based on a cost per household of $280.02? 
☐ YES      ☐ NO

Voting Locations
RDCK Nelson Office – 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson
Crescent Valley Hall – 1385 Highway 6, Crescent Valley

For more information: www.rdck.ca/FHCurbside 

In defined portion of Electoral Area J, residents are being asked:

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Defined Area J Curbside Collection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2934, 2023, which will permit the Regional District to establish a curbside collection service for defined portions of Electoral Area J; which if approved will result in an annual requisition not to exceed $406,818.39 based on a cost per household of $283.06. 
☐ YES      ☐ NO

Voting Location
Castlegar & District Community Complex – 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar

For more information: www.rdck.ca/JCurbside 

Nelson, BC:  In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5-11), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will be conducting its annual TEST of the Emergency Notification System on Tuesday, May 7^th at approximately 2:00 pm. Anyone registered with the RDCK’s Emergency Notification System will receive a TEST NOTIFICATION via mobile phone (text), email, landline call, or Voyent Alert! app, depending on which notification option you chose when you signed up.

Emergency Preparedness Week, a national awareness initiative that has taken place every year since 1996, is an opportunity to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency.

If you are new to the area, or have not yet signed up for emergency notifications, please go to www.rdck.ca/notifications. To ensure you receive important emergency information relevant to your location, it is imperative that residents update their account with accurate location information. Please take this opportunity to log in to the system and double check your details: www.rdck.ca/notifications.

“We encourage all RDCK residents to sign up for emergency notification alerts to ensure they are receiving accurate and current information, “said Dan Séguin, RDCK Manager of Community Sustainability. “Now, before an emergency occurs, is the time for all residents to prepare by updating their emergency plans and making grab and go kits for each member of the family.”

The City of Nelson, which also uses Voyent Alert! as their Emergency Notification System, will also be running a TEST earlier the same day. 

Everyone has a role to play in an emergency, and Emergency Preparedness Week is a great opportunity for residents to take action:

• Sign up to receive RDCK Emergency Notifications or login to update your set locations
• Get a “grab and go” kit
• Make a home emergency plan with this handy template
• Plan for your pets
• Plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate
• Learn more about emergency preparedness

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

RDCK Adopts RDCK Ideas for Climate Action

The Board of Directors adopted the RDCK Ideas for Climate Action. Following extensive public time and a thorough debate between the Directors, the Board voted in favour of the following resolution:

That staff be directed to explore new climate action items impacting RDCK residents and make recommendations to the Board based on the RDCK Ideas for Climate Action document presented at the April 18, 2024 Board meeting, and FURTHER, that those items that were identified as high priorities in our consultation process, are practicable, and fiscally feasible are presented to the Board with a business case prior to proceeding, with funding ideally being provided by polluter superfunds.

The RDCK Ideas for Climate Action include potential actions in the following areas: transportation and mobility, planning for growth, supporting farmers, improving water access for farmers, protecting and conserving water, mitigating risks from floods and geohazards, wood chipping, and divestment from fossil fuel investments.

Due to interest in this Board item, there was significant public attendance at the meeting with over 160 people online and in person. As a result, the Board allowed for one hour of public time instead of the normal 15 minutes to answer all questions from the public.

Electoral Area D Medical First Responder Service – Alternative Approval Process

The Board directed staff to proceed with obtaining approval of the electors within a defined portion of Electoral Area D to establish the Defined Area D Medical First Responder Bylaw. This defined part of Electoral Area D is not included in the Kaslo Fire Protection Area. The new bylaw would establish a service for the purpose of providing immediate life saving interventions on scene while awaiting additional medical resources or transport.

Approval is to be obtained through the Alternative Approval Process (AAP). The Board obtains approval if fewer than 10% of eligible electors in the area covered by the AAP submit elector response forms in opposition of the particular matter. The elector response form must be received before 4:00 pm on June 17, 2024.

RDCK staff will be on hand at the Lardeau Valley Marketfest & Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sunday, May 12 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Meadow Creek Bar & Grill (13308 Highway 31) to answer any questions you may have about the proposed service.

New user fees and rental fees for RDCK Community Services

The Board approved a 3.9% increase to all user fees and rental fees at the Castlegar & District Community Complex, Creston & District Community Complex, Nelson & District Community Complex, and Salmo & Area G Recreation effective September 3, 2024. The increase is based upon the February 2024 British Columbia cost of Living Index increase of 3.9%. Recreation services at the RDCK are funded through a combination of user fees and taxation, resulting in recreation being subsidized by the community for the benefit of the community. Click here for the new fees and charges for admissions and rentals.

Kitchener Fire Response Petition

The Board approved staff to prepare a petition, regarding the establishment of a fire response service for the community of Kitchener in Electoral Area B. The proposed service area includes 215 properties and the potential fire response service would be managed under contract by the Town of Creston.

The owners of parcels in an Electoral Area may sign and submit to the RDCK a petition for a service in all or part of that Electoral Area. Each page of a petition must:

• Describe in general terms the service that is proposed;
• Define the boundaries of the proposed service area;
• Indicate in general terms the proposed method for recovering annual costs;
• Contain other information that the Board may require.

For a petition to be valid, it must be signed by owners of at least 50 percent of the parcels that would be liable to pay for the proposed service that represent at least 50 percent of the assessed value of land and improvements that would be in the proposed service area.

RDCK Board Meeting Recordings

Starting with the April 2024 RDCK Board meeting, all monthly Board meetings will now be recorded and shared with the public. All recordings can be found on the RDCK YouTube page.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the April 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.

Click here for a print-friendly PDF version. 

Nelson, BC: The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and Kalesnikoff Lumber Company, in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 38 hectares in the Selous Creek area about two kilometers south of Nelson, to help reduce wildfire threats.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Monday April 22. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days. Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Nelson and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 6 and 3A.

Due to the prescribed burn, a portion of the Nelson Salmo Great Northern Trail will have signage and flaggers in place. Please adhere to all signage and instructions from flaggers on the trail. Trail users can expect trail use disruption.

This project has been a collaboration over the last five years with several project partners including the RDCK, Kalesnikoff Lumber, BC Wildfire Service, City of Nelson, Selkirk College, and consultants. The outcome of the fuel management project aims at reducing wildfire risk in Selous Creek near the City of Nelson by modifying the fuel load and completing a prescribed burn. This unique project started with funding support from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC and is an example of the high level of collaboration between regional and municipal governments, fire services and a local timber licensee.

This complex project covers an area of approximately 80 hectares (ha). The following phases of treatment are completed:

• 65 ha of mechanical harvesting by Kalesnikoff Lumber;
• 20 ha of mechanical fuel modification to pile debris;
• 35 ha of machine-tethered fuel modification to create a debris-free fireguard around the outer perimeter of the harvested area and around reserve patches;
• 5.5 ha of understory hand treatment along The Vein bike trail and surrounding areas; and,
• 7.5 ha of understory hand treatment along the Rail Trail.

Additional information is available at www.rdck.ca/Selous.

If you have questions, please contact project manager John Cathro at cathro@netidea.com or 250.505.3513.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: Nelson, BC: This week marks National Volunteer Week across Canada and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is fortunate to work with hundreds of volunteers across the entire organization. The RDCK has dedicated volunteers in numerous areas, including, committees, commissions, fire departments, search and rescue organizations, emergency support services, societies, as well as advisory and community groups.

“The RDCK is very fortunate to have so many community-minded residents who are willing to give back,” said Stuart Horn, RDCK Chief Administrative Officer. “I want to thank all of our volunteers who offer up their time and energy to support our services.”

The benefits of volunteering include building confidence, competence, connections, and community. Even the smallest amount of community involvement can have an everlasting impact on the community.

“Volunteers are fundamental in providing recreation opportunities for people of all ages in our communities,” said Joe Chirico, RDCK General Manager of Community Services. “Without them, many sports, community programs, and special events would not happen. We thank all volunteers for their willingness to give back to their communities.”

All RDCK fire departments operate on a volunteer basis. In total there are over 300 volunteer firefighters across 16 departments; dedicated individuals who did not hesitate to stand up and serve their community.

“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of the Canadian fire service,” said David Zayonce, RDCK Regional Fire Chief. “Our volunteers are members of our community, our family, and we are so fortunate to have so many willing to support their communities. As part of National Volunteer Week, I would like to recognize the tremendous service provided by the volunteer firefighters at our respective departments across the RDCK.”

This week, during National Volunteer Week, take a moment to recognize those who choose to give back; through their kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering. Thank you.

 Click here to view a print-friendly PDF verison.

Nelson, BC: The Castlegar, Creston and Nelson Community Complexes will be offering increased hours of operation for their aquatic centres. The expanded hours of operation will begin at the Castlegar and District Community Complex on April 14 and at the Creston and Nelson Community Complexes on April 21.

“We are happy to announce, that we can now begin to offer increased hours of operation at our three main facilities,” said Craig Stanley, Regional Manager – Operations and Asset Management. “These increased hours of operation would not have been possible without the effort taken to promote and provide training opportunities within the RDCK region.”

Starting in early 2023, the RDCK began offering subsidized courses to support the continued growth and succession of lifeguards, swim instructors, fitness instructors and personal trainers.

“Staffing availability has significantly increased when the RDCK began offering free and subsidized training opportunities,” said Stanley. “With the increase in qualified staff, we are now able to offer increased hours of operation at our three main recreation facilities, with the potential of continued increases to come.”

The increased hours of operations for each facility are as follows:

Castlegar and District Community Complex

 Creston and District Community Complex

Nelson and District Community Complex

*Notes increased hours

You can find all pool, fitness centre and facility hours of operation on our website at rdck.ca/recreation.

Anybody who is interested in pursuing their lifeguard, swim instructor, fitness instructor or personal trainer certification can contact any of our RDCK facilities or visit rdck.ca/GetTraining for information about training opportunities.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

RDCK Adopts Five-Year Financial Plan

The Board of Directors adopted the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget will see a 5.8% average increase in property taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or Municipality the resident lives in.

The RDCK hosted nine hybrid public information sessions (in-person and online), plus two Special Budget Meetings over the last two months, which allowed the public in our various sub regions to comment and provide feedback on the five-year Financial Plan.

Residents are encouraged to review the financial plan and reach out to staff or Directors with questions.

West Creston Fire Protection Services

Assent voting will be held July 27, 2024 in Electoral Area C for the approval of the West Creston Fire Protection Area Service Establishment Bylaw and the West Creston Fire Protection Service Loan Authorization Bylaw. The loan authorization bylaw requests a 20-year financing term up to $2,129,000 for the construction of the West Creston Fire Hall, the replacement of the water tender, and the purchase of a frontline fire engine for the West Creston Fire Department.

Recording RDCK Board Meetings

Starting in April, the Board has approved the recording of RDCK Board meetings and making the recordings available to the public. This applies to all RDCK Board meetings or Special Board meetings and not to meetings held by RDCK Committees, Commissions, departments, or specific staff.  While meeting minutes serve as the official record, recordings will be offered to enhance access to Board meeting content, while allowing for increased transparency in how the Board of Directors makes decisions on RDCK program and services.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the March 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.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Board of Directors adopted the 2024-2028 Financial Plan Bylaw, an annual requirement which must be completed by end of March each year. This year’s budget will see a 5.8% average increase in property taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or Municipality the resident lives in.

“We are pleased that we were able to substantially reduce the average taxation increase for this year, bringing it down to 5.8% from the initially proposed 11.1% in January’s draft plan,” stated Yev Malloff, RDCK Chief Financial Officer. “This improvement was achieved due to the diligent efforts of both RDCK staff and Directors over the past two months. Part of the improvement was also aligning the way we calculate the taxation change with other B.C. local governments. The 5.8% figure places the RDCK at the lower end of the scale for 2024 regional district taxation increases. It is important to recognize that not all regional districts face the same set of challenges and opportunities in any given year.”

Residents are encouraged to review the financial plan and reach out to staff or Directors with questions.

The RDCK hosted nine hybrid public information sessions (in-person and online), plus two Special Budget Meetings over the last nine weeks, which allowed the public in our various sub regions to comment and provide feedback on the five-year Financial Plan.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: In spite of a change in its management structure, the innovative and highly successful Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors Program will continue to support local producers.

The Program is a partnership of the Regional Districts of East Kootenay, Central Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary and the Columbia Basin Trust, and has been managed by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) since its inception over six years ago. In 2024, the management of the Program has shifted to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), though the daily administration of the program will continue to be done by a consultant on the partners’ behalf.

“With the change in oversight shifting from the RDEK to the RDCK, we felt this was also an opportune time to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the administration contract,” explains RDEK General Manager of Development and Protective Services, Michele Bates. “The current contractor has done an outstanding job. They have taken it from an untried, pilot initiative and developed it into a robust Program that offers education, support and extension services to hundreds of producers around the Basin. We want to acknowledge and thank them. A great deal has changed in the six-plus years since the first RFP was issued.  Issuing a new RFP will help ensure the contract remains cost effective and incorporates the vision and needs of the Program into the future.”

The RFP, which closes on March 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm PST, has been posted on BC Bid and the RDCK website.

To learn more about the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors Program and the services it provides, visit https://kbfa.ca.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is asking customers that reside within RDCK owned and operated water systems to check their location settings for the Voyent Alert! notification system. Recently, some RDCK customers reported they did not receive Voyent Alert! notifications for their water system although they are signed up for alerts. The RDCK requests all water system users to sign-up for Voyent Alert! notifications as this is the primary method of communication for all RDCK water system information as well as RDCK Emergency Notifications.

Customers are asked to confirm the “My Location” setting within the Voyent Alert! app is set within the appropriate water system. If customers do not have the app, they can login to their Voyent Alert! account (https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/client.html#!/login) and manage the location setting. If the location setting is not within the RDCK water system servicing you, you will not receive a notification. Communication on upcoming projects that impact customers will be done through Voyent Alert!, in addition to all water quality and system information.

Not signed up for Voyent Alert!? Sign up for free at https://register.voyent-alert.com to receive notifications about your water system’s water quality, system maintenance activities, and water conservation by telephone call, email, and/or text message.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

RDCK Budget – Public Budget Information Session Schedule

As part of the annual budget process, the RDCK will be hosting public budget information sessions for all its Municipalities and Electoral Areas. The RDCK invites the public to join for a breakdown of the financial landscape and to understand what goes into the development of the 2024-2028 RDCK Financial Plan. Read the 2024-2028 RDCK Draft Financial Plan.

All meetings will be available to attend in-person or online. Click on the links below for information on how to join virtually.

Curbside collection referendum ballot question

On May 11, 2024, the RDCK will hold two separate referendums to determine if electors are in favour of the establishment of curbside collection service in their respective area. The Board approved the following ballot questions for each referendum.

In a defined portion of Electoral Area J the question for voters will be:

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Defined Area J Curbside Collection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2934, 2023, which will permit the Regional District to establish a curbside collection service for defined portions of Electoral Area J; which if approved will result in an annual requisition not to exceed $406,818.39 based on a cost per household of $283.06.

For more information about the referendum, including how to register to vote, service maps, advance voting, and upcoming public information sessions go to www.rdck.ca/JCurbside.

In defined portions of Electoral Area F and H the question for voters will be:

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay adopting Defined Areas F & H Curbside Collection Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2933, 2023, which will permit the Regional District to establish a three-stream curbside collection service with waste, organics and recycling for defined portions of Electoral Areas F & H; which if approved will result in an annual requisition not to exceed $596,235.28 based on a cost per household of $280.02.

For more information about the referendum, including how to register to vote, service maps, advance voting, and upcoming public information sessions go to www.rdck.ca/FHCurbside.  

Draft Climate Action Plan Community Feedback

From April to October 2023, the RDCK engaged with the public to receive feedback on its draft Climate Action Plan. During this time, the RDCK held 20 open houses, six dialogue circles, six webinars, utilized its public engagement platform (http://engage.rdck.ca), received emails, letters, phone calls, as well as having countless informal conversations with residents. The key themes of the feedback included:

• Concerns with the engagement process, communications, and affordability;
• Desires for freedom of choice, a local perspective, and support for farmers;
• Cautions around building regulations and electric vehicles; and
• Interest in improved transit/active transportation, emergency preparedness, water stewardship, renewable energy, and grid resilience.

Click here for a full breakdown of the public engagement process.

Moving forward the Board approved staff to solicit additional feedback from the Directors via survey and from there staff will use all feedback to identify different possible Climate Action Plan versions, which they will provide to the Board for direction.

Emergency and Disaster Management Act

In November 2023, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) was adopted by the Province of BC, replacing the Emergency Program Act. The goal of EDMA is to reflect the realities of the modern world and shifts focusing on emergency response to the four phases of Emergency Management: mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery. As part of the phased implementation, the Province was seeking feedback from local governments.

While EDMA brings important changes to emergency management in BC, the RDCK Board of Directors and Staff have concerns about increasing demands on local authorities. The Board approved staff sending a second letter to the Premier of British Columbia, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy expressing its deepening concern to the Province on its Emergency and Disaster Management Act and related Regulation for Local Authorities; including its concerns over funding and the cost to the tax payer, as well as addressing residents’ concerns. The letter will also be copied to all 27 Regional Districts, municipalities in the RDCK, and MLAs for the RDCK.

February 2024 Board Report
Letter to Premier Eby and the Honourable Bowinn Ma – December 20, 2023
December 2023 Board Report

Local Conservation Fund

The Board approved $129,976.85 in grant funds for the Local Conservation Fund to be spread among eight different projects. The fund provides grants to support local conservation efforts in Electoral Areas A, D, E, and H focused on the conservation of water and aquatic systems, as well as wildlife and habitat. Here are the eight projects:

 Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the February 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.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version. 

Nelson, BC: Over the next three weeks, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) will be hosting public budget information sessions for all its Municipalities and Electoral Areas. The RDCK invites the public to join for a breakdown of the financial landscape and to understand what goes into the development of the 2024-2028 RDCK Financial Plan. All meetings will have the option of in-person or online.  

This is your opportunity to connect with RDCK Directors and staff, ask questions, learn about the RDCK, and find out about projects and initiatives happening in your area.

At the Special Board Meeting on Friday, February 16, the Board reviewed a draft of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. After accounting for revisions directed by the Board at the meeting, the latest projection is a 9.3% total increase in tax requisitions. This nets down to 7.9% for RDCK property owners after non-market assessment growth is taken into consideration, although this is highly variable depending on the area or municipality the resident lives in. The taxation increase is comparable to projections from other Regional Districts for 2024. The RDCK has over 180 different services, with each service having its own budget and funding. Surpluses from one service cannot be used to fund a deficit in another service.

“Operational cost increases and required maintenance related capital projects in Recreation, Fire Protection and Resource Recovery services are driving the bulk of the increases in taxation,” said Yev Malloff, RDCK Chief Financial Officer. “Inflation and supply chain constraints also continue to have a cost impact across many services and projects/initiatives, while higher interest rates are putting pressure on both short-term and long-term borrowing costs with a partial offset from increased investment income. The budget includes a Consumer Price Index increase on staff salaries and Directors stipends of 6.2%. RDCK staff are continuing to identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiencies of operations and administration to help temper inflation effects.

2024-2028 Draft Financial Plan

Here is the complete schedule of RDCK Public Budget Information Sessions:

*Click on the highlighted link to join the meeting virtually

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF verison.

Nelson, BC: Results from the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) public engagement process on the draft Climate Action Plan are now available and have been provided to the Board. The RDCK received 3,518 comments on the draft plan during the engagement period from April to October 2023.

“Thank you to everyone who came to our events, connected with our team and shared their thoughts on the draft Climate Action Plan,” said Paris Marshall Smith, RDCK Sustainability Planner. “There has been some polarization around the plan, and we are pleased to see the shared values that have emerged through the engagement process. These shared values include the importance of ensuring we have clean air and water, protecting our ability to grow food in our communities, being prepared for the changes to the climate that are coming and creating solutions that reflect our rural way of life.”

Residents had opportunities to provide feedback through a series of 20 open houses, a survey, dialogue circle conversations, emails, letters, webinars, an online discussion board, and Community Ambassador outreach at community events. The public engagement results highlighted:

• Concerns with the engagement process, communications, and affordability;
• Desires for freedom of choice, a local perspective, and support for farmers;
• Cautions around building regulations and electric vehicles; and
• Interest in improved transit/active transportation, emergency preparedness, water stewardship, renewable energy, and grid resilience.

“Following our extensive community engagement process, we are looking forward to moving on to the next phase with the draft Climate Action Plan and continuing to strengthen our local resilience,” said Stuart Horn, RDCK Chief Administrative Officer.

The draft RDCK Climate Action Plan is a list of ways the RDCK could support our community in reducing carbon pollution and its impacts on our communities. Many of the actions are already underway. The provincial and federal governments require the RDCK to take the lead on some of the actions, such as capturing methane at landfills. Additional actions underway, but that the RDCK is not regulated to take, previously went to the RDCK Board for approval. An example of these actions includes enhancing the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program. The remainder of the actions are new ideas for consideration.

For more information, visit https://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/sustainability-environmental-initiatives/climate-action/get-involved.html.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The Creston and District Community Complex recently installed solar panels on the roof to offset the building’s annual energy usage, with an estimated savings of $274,384 over 30 years. The solar energy produced by the array, which is up to 41,800 kWh per year, will reduce the facilities dependency on the power grid.

“We worked with Energy Economics to install 96 solar panels on the roof of the complex, which will route solar power into the facility,” says Shari Imada, RDCK Senior Energy Specialist. “The installation and usage of this renewable energy system will help improve energy efficiency and reduce the complex’s carbon pollution.”

This project is part of a greater effort to address community resiliency by generating renewable energy on site and decreasing the amount of energy purchased by the facility. Operators will gain experience working with this technology, and the solar performance will be tracked through a facility energy monitoring program. 

“This solar array is a great example of how we can leverage our asset management plans and capital investments while integrating sound energy efficiency measures,” says Joe Chirico, General Manager of Community Services. “The RDCK is also undertaking a regional greenhouse gas reduction feasibility study that will inform future capital investments in recreation and other RDCK facilities.”

Solar array on roof of Creston and District Community Complex

The RDCK would like to thank Columbia Basin Trust, who provided a generous grant through their Basin Charge Up program to help make this project come to fruition.

Residents can explore options for reducing energy usage and installing solar panels at their homes by signing up for the RDCK Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) through the RDCK website.

Information about the project will be displayed in the complex lobby and available on the RDCK website. Information on this project and other community resiliency efforts can be found at rdck.ca/sustainability.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Bylaw Enforcement Team is introducing a new online complaint portal to improve operational department efficiency. Effective immediately all referrals for Bylaw Enforcement and Dog Control are required to be submitted in this format.

“As a department we deal with a large volume of inquiries and this new process will help streamline the referral process, ensuring all complaints are dealt with in a timely manner,” said Jordan Dupuis, RDCK Bylaw Enforcement Team Supervisor.

The new portal will help reduce the number of calls/emails, systematically track all inquiries and complaints, while enhancing the overall service to the public. Residents will have two options to submit; a general inquiry form or a complaint form.

Bylaw enforcement within the RDCK is a complaint driven service and the RDCK enforces contravention related to a RDCK Area where a related bylaw applies. Bylaws in your Electoral Area could include Dog Control, Unsightly Property, Noise Control, Nuisance, Land Use and Zoning. Go to www.rdck.ca/bylawenforcement for more information on the bylaws related to your Electoral Area.

Once your complaint is submitted, you will be contacted by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer to confirm details and clarification. If complaint requires action, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer begins the process of trying to reach a solution to achieve compliance to the bylaw. All complainant information is considered confidential and will not be released.

If you do not have access to a computer or cannot complete the form online, please contact the RDCK Bylaw Enforcement Department at 250.352.6665.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Proposed RDCK Five-Year Financial Plan

At the Special Board Meeting on Friday, January 19 a preliminary draft of the 2024-2028 Financial Plan was provided to the Board. The latest projection is an 11% average increase in taxes for RDCK residents, although this is highly variable depending on the Electoral Area or Municipality the resident lives in. The RDCK has over 180 different services, with each service having its own budget and funding. Surpluses from one service cannot be used to fund a deficit in another service.

Inflation and supply chain constraints will continue to have a cost impact across many services and projects/initiatives, while an increase in Interest rates will continue to put pressure on both short-term and long-term borrowing costs with a partial offset from increased investment income.

The RDCK will host public information sessions (in-person and online) through February and March which will allow the public the opportunity to understand how the budget impacts them in their respective Electoral Area or Municipality.

Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans

The Board approved and adopted the updated Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans (CWRP) for Electoral Areas D, E, F, and I. The purpose of the CWRP is to identify the wildfire risks within and surrounding a community, to describe the potential consequences if a wildfire was to impact the community, and to examine possible ways to reduce the wildfire risk. These plans are based on seven FireSmart disciplines: education, legislation & planning, development considerations, interagency cooperation, cross-training, emergency planning, and vegetation management. By approving these plans, the RDCK is able to proactively manage wildfire risk and increase community resilience to wildfire.

Electoral Area D CWRP
Electoral Area E CWRP
Electoral Area F CWRP
Electoral Area I CWRP

Wildfire Mitigation and FireSmart Program

The Board directed staff to apply to the 2024 and 2025 Union of BC Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment Program intake to coordinate and manage grant funding with the RDCK to operate the wildfire mitigation and FireSmart program in 2024.

The funding will go towards hiring seven wildfire mitigation specialists and one FireSmart coordinator to deliver FireSmart and neighbourhood programs, offer and administer the FireSmart rebate program, as well as support neighbourhoods pursuing neighbourhood recognition, bolster educational activities promoting FireSmart, and updating Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans.

Last year the RDCK completed 411 FireSmart home assessments, free of charge, with 145 residents receiving rebates and 26 communities were issued grants under the Neighbourhood Recognition Program. In 2024 FireSmart is offering up to a $5,000 cash rebate per household for those that complete compulsory components of the assessment.

West Kootenay Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot

The Board approved funding in the amount of $20,000 over three years ($4,000 in 2024, $13,000 in 2025, and $3,000 in 2026) to the West Kootenay Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program. The RNIP helps smaller rural and northern communities attract and retain skilled foreign workers to meet their economic development and labour market needs. The West Kootenay region is one of 11 communities selected by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada to be a pilot region for the program. Community Futures Central Kootenay is the community partner responsible for administering the pilot in the West Kootenay.

Creston Valley Fire Service Contract Extensions

The Board entered into one-year contract extensions from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 with the Town of Creston for fire protection services for the Canyon Lister Fire Protection Services Agreement, Wynndel Lakeview Fire Protection Services Agreement, and Electoral Areas B and C and the Arrow Creek Fire Protection Service Area Protection and Response Agreement. Under the contract for the Canyon Lister and Wynndel Fire Protection Areas, the Town of Creston operates and manages both the Canyon Lister and Wynndel Fire Halls, and is responsible for recruiting, training, and maintaining a roster of volunteer firefighters in each fire department.

Under the contract for Electoral Areas B and C and Arrow Creek, the Town of Creston provides fire protection and fire response services respectively to the areas included in the contract utilizing Town of Creston firefighters, and apparatus that are responding from the Creston Fire Hall.

Director’s Reports

RDCK Directors provide monthly reports outlining what they have been working on. Click here to read the January 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.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The RDCK head office in Nelson will reopen to the public on Thursday, January 18 for regular hours of operation. The office has been closed the last two days to the public due to flooding from a burst sprinkler pipe. Thursday also marks the first RDCK Board Meeting of 2024. The public is welcome to attend. The meeting starts at 9:00 am in the Board room at 202 Lakeside Drive in Nelson. 

Nelson, BC:  As of January 1, 2024 the RDCK’s Recreation Commission No. 10’s funding has been paused, and the service is no longer responsible for providing recreation grant funds to local groups running recreational programs. A new community society is being created to coordinate awarding recreation grants to recreation services in Balfour, Harrop and Proctor.

The Recreation Commission No. 10 was previously established by the RDCK Board to operate the Recreation Program Local Service in Area E East between Kokanee Provincial Park and Coffee Creek, including Harrop and Procter. We thank all of those who volunteered their time as commissioners to this service.

If you reside in what was previously serviced by the Recreation Commission No. 10, you can email areaesociety@gmail.com for more information on how to apply for recreation program funding going forward.

For further information, please contact RDCK Electoral Area E Director Cheryl Graham at cgraham@rdck.bc.ca or call 250-505-4990.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce the opening of three organic waste disposal sites. Starting January 22, 2024, all customers, residential and commercial, will be able to utilize the new service of separated organic waste disposal. Grohman Narrows, Ootischenia, and the Central (Salmo) facilities will be able to accept organic waste during regular hours of operation for each site.

Accepted materials include all food wastes, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, meats, small bones, cooked food, grains, and dairy, as well as food soiled paper products, and other material fit to be composted in the RDCK’s new composting facilities. Items such as glass, plastics, metals, and other household wastes or recycling are not accepted. As well, compostable plastic products are not included as an accepted item. For more information on accepted and prohibited items, customers are encouraged to visit rdck.ca/organics, or review Schedules H & I of the RDCK Resource Recovery Facilities Regulatory Bylaw.

Once brought to the composting facilities, the collected material is mixed with chipped, clean wood waste, yard and garden materials, and food scraps from surrounding community organics collection services. For example, collected materials from the City of Castlegar Green Bin Program is brought to the Ootischenia Landfill, where it is then transferred to the Central (Salmo) composting facility for processing.

The Creston Landfill has been accepting organic waste from all sectors since the Creston composting facility opened in June of 2022. For the communities in and around Nelson, Castlegar, and Salmo, the additional organic waste disposal sites will provide a great alternative to throwing organics in the garbage whenever backyard composting, curbside collection, drop-off, or other options are not available.

The addition of these three facilities for the collection of organic waste allows more residents, businesses, and institutions to utilize separated organic waste disposal at a reduced cost.

While mixed waste is now $151.25 per tonne, organic waste can be disposed of for $96.75 per tonne. Customers can bring in organic waste by the container (max 121 liters) and only be charged $2.50 per container for the first four containers. However, if brought in with mixed waste (garbage), customers can dispose of one container of separated organic waste for free! This is a pilot incentive program to encourage customers to separate their organics from the rest of their garbage whenever possible.

The RDCK is committed to keeping organic waste out of the region’s landfills and supporting reduction in per-household waste. In our landfills, organic waste creates significant problems.

• It takes up finite landfill space, impacting capacity and lifespan of these costly sites.
• It pollutes the environment through contributing to the generation of leachate (run-off from landfills).
• When it rots in an oxygen-poor environment such as a landfill, large amounts of methane are generated.
• Landfill-generated methane accounts for up to 23% of national methane emissions.
• As a greenhouse gas, methane has a global warming potential more than 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 20-year period.

Diverting this material to composting facilities greatly reduces the negative impacts of landfilled organic wastes. Additionally, composting is a great way for us to turn waste products into a resource that is valuable to local communities for the production of healthy soils, plants, and food.

The RDCK Organic Waste Diversion Program, including construction of the composting facilities, transfer station upgrades, and start-up costs for municipal curbside green bin programs have been generously funded by the Federal and Provincial Governments, and the Columbia Basin Trust. The RDCK gratefully acknowledges the assistance of these funders.

To find out more about the RDCK Organics Waste Diversion Program and view facility hours of operation, go to www.rdck.ca/organics. To ask a question about the organic waste diversion program, go to https://engage.rdck.ca/organics, email organics@rdck.ca, or call 250-551-6647.

Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.

The RDCK head office in Nelson will be CLOSED to the public Tuesday, January 16 and Wednesday, January 17 due to flooding from a burst sprinkler pipe. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you did have an in-person appointment with RDCK staff over the next two days, you are encouraged to call the head office (250-352-6665) to reschedule.

Wednesday`s (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) Rural Affairs Committee Meeting, will now be hosted strictly online. Follow the link for details on how to join the meeting https://www.rdck.ca/EN/meta/events/events-list/meetings/rural-affairs-committee-meeting-26.html.

All damage will be assessed over the coming days and we will keep the public informed when the office is ready to return to our regular hours of operation, including the status of Thursday`s RDCK Board Meeting.

Thank you for your understanding.